A Malicious Customer Poured 500 Toothpicks into Ramen... Japanese Owner Says "It's Too Hard" and Eventually Closed the Shop

"Threatening Calls Saying 'I'll Kill You'"
Fine Only 100,000 Yen
Store Owner "Beyond Anger, I Have Nothing to Say"

A Japanese ramen shop that had been suffering from malicious harassment by a troublesome customer has finally closed down. This customer caused controversy by pouring 500 toothpicks into ramen and knocking over chairs inside the shop.

Japanese media ANN News reported that a male customer, Mr. A, who had been harassing the ramen shop for two years, was only fined 100,000 yen (about 890,000 KRW). Mr. A poured not only toothpicks but also pepper, vinegar, and other condiments into the ramen and left the shop without eating. The ramen shop owner, Mr. B, said, "As someone who prepares food, I am angry. Beyond anger, I have nothing more to say." Mr. B reported Mr. A to the police, and after receiving a warning from the police, Mr. A stopped coming to the shop.

A troublesome customer poured toothpicks into ramen, causing public outrage. [Image source=Japanese legal media Bengoshi.com]

However, Mr. B claimed that Mr. A’s harassment continued. It was found that Mr. A called the shop dozens of times a day, making threats such as "I will kill you" and using abusive language. Ultimately, considering the safety of the employees, Mr. B decided to close the shop.

Regarding the 100,000 yen fine imposed on Mr. A, Mr. B said, "(Considering the damage suffered) the fine is insufficient," adding, "Our shop’s sales have dropped to zero." However, only the charge of intimidation was recognized in court.

According to the police investigation, during Mr. A’s first visit, he repeatedly called employees at two-minute intervals to request cheap toppings. However, the staff refused his topping requests. Angered, Mr. A poured toothpicks into the ramen and left the shop. It is also known that he was defaming other shops via phone calls and social networking services (SNS). Mr. B said, "It is better to regain normalcy than to shrink away due to threats," adding, "We are fortunate that none of the employees were stabbed or killed."

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, to prevent the worsening problem of customer abuse, the city is reviewing the introduction of related ordinances for the first time nationwide.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.