Diners at Japanese sushi chain outraged as condom returned with used plates

Kura Sushi, a major conveyor belt sushi chain, has been embroiled in a controversy following claims of inappropriate behavior by customers.

The incident, which involved the alleged deliberate placement of an opened contraceptive product in a plate return slot, has ignited widespread criticism and concern regarding hygiene and customer conduct within restaurant chains.

The initial incident appears to have occurred in late March 2025, with photographic evidence subsequently being shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

One post, accompanied by a picture showing an opened contraceptive within the designated chute for used plates, carried the caption “Who left this here?”.

The image has been repeatedly shared online across Japanese social media

This post, which quickly received significant attention and negative reactions, was followed by the account owner making their profile private and rendering the original image inaccessible to the broader public.

However, a screenshot of the initial post was subsequently shared by another X user who stated their intention to report the incident to Kura Sushi.

This triggered the further spread of the image and details of the alleged misconduct which led to public outrage on Japanese social media.

Adding to the controversy, an individual claiming to have been present at the Kura Sushi location where the incident occurred reportedly made subsequent posts and engaged in online conversations that appeared to downplay the seriousness of the behavior.

The Kura Sushi website highlights the safety and hygiene steps taken by the chain such as using anti-bacterial sushi covers

In one instance, the individual allegedly remarked on an increase in their social media followers due to the incident’s virality, suggesting a lack of remorse.

Unverified reports circulating on social media described how the incident allegedly occurred at a Kura Sushi restaurant in Tokyo.

These reports claimed that a group of approximately four teenagers, around 15 years of age, inflated a contraceptive and caused it to burst before discarding the remnants in the chute used to return used plates from their table.

Kura Sushi is a family friendly chain and many locations include fair-style games

The public reaction to these alleged incidents has been overwhelmingly negative, with numerous social media users expressing dismay, disgust, and calls for strict action against those responsible.

Reactions have ranged from expressions of unease about dining at conveyor belt sushi restaurants to demands for legal action, including lawsuits for damages and potential arrests for business obstruction.

In response to the escalating controversy and public outcry, Kura Sushi released an official statement on its website on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Kura Sushi is popular due to its reasonably priced sushi dishes

The company acknowledged the widespread concern caused by the online circulation of information regarding “nuisance behavior” at one of its stores.

In the statement, Kura Sushi reported that an internal investigation had allowed them to “almost identify the store and the perpetrator” involved in the contraceptive incident.

Additionally, the company stated that an individual claiming to be the perpetrator had contacted the store and offered to apologize.

Kura Sushi emphasized its firm stance against such behavior, stating that “as a restaurant that is used by many customers, this type of behavior is not acceptable, and we plan to take strict action after consulting with our lawyer”.

Kura Sushi will soon open a new store as part of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025

The company also informed the public that the affected store had undergone immediate disinfection protocols to ensure the safety and hygiene of the dining environment. In concluding its statement, Kura Sushi appealed to its customer base, expressing hope that they would “continue to use our stores with peace of mind.”

While Kura Sushi has not disclosed the specific location or the date of the incident in its public statement, the company’s response highlights the sensitivity surrounding food safety and hygiene within the Japanese restaurant industry, particularly for conveyor belt sushi establishments.

This incident raised memories of the “sushi-licking” scandal that plagued the Sushiro chain, another major conveyor belt sushi operator, approximately two years prior.

That incident involved a customer engaging in unsanitary behaviors, such as licking shared soy sauce dispensers and touching sushi on the conveyor belt, with the footage being widely shared online.

A viral video of poor customer behavior previously caused issues for Sukiya

Japanese restaurant chain Sukiya was also recently embroiled in similar controvery due to a viral video showing a customer drinking from communal water pitchers.

While Kura Sushi has affirmed its intention to pursue the matter legally in this latest case, the incident is likely to contribute to on-going unease among consumers regarding the safety and hygiene standards of restaurant chains in Japan.

Sources: News Postseven, JPrime, Kura Sushi