Osaka sushi chain apologises for bombarding foreigners with wasabi
A restaurant in Osaka apologised Monday for serving foreign customers sushi made with excessive amounts of wasabi, following online criticism that it was engaging in “wasabi terror”.
Fujii Shokuhin Co. apologised on its Ichibazushi restaurant chain website, saying chefs at one of its restaurants had been increasing the amount of wasabi without asking as foreign customers, including from South Korea, frequently asked for more wasabi.
Some comments about the restaurant of TripAdvisor were scathing.
“It seems to be only for Japanese,” one reviewer wrote.
“If you love only wasabi plz visit there. If you love sushi, don’t visit. Never!!! One more thing, Racists work there.”
Another reviewer praised the service.
“The staff are super friendly, welcoming (we were the only westerners every single time we went which is definitely a good sign and they even remembered us every time) and also prepare the sushi right in front of your eyes as you order.”
An official of the company denied intentional discrimination and apologised for “causing distress among customers who do not like wasabi.”
