NAGOYA - Nagoya’s entertainment district is once again under scrutiny after an undercover investigation revealed deceptive billing practices and aggressive solicitation tactics at local bars.
The incident occurred in Sakae 3-chome, also known as “Sumiyoshi,” an area lined with eateries and nightlife establishments. On the night before last, police arrested 30-year-old Shion Tamaru, the manager of an izakaya called Yaotcho, on suspicion of violating Aichi Prefecture’s public nuisance prevention ordinance for persistently soliciting customers on the street.
Police had already received a series of complaints about Yaotcho, with patrons reporting unfair billing practices. Just three days before the arrest, an undercover team entered the establishment posing as customers after being approached by a tout.
The solicitation promised a two-hour all-you-can-eat and drink plan for 2,500 yen before tax. However, once seated, the order screen displayed only 53 minutes remaining for the drink plan. The first dish—a bowl of ramen—arrived 20 minutes later, and due to a rule that required finishing each dish before placing the next order, the group of three managed only nine dishes before their time expired.
When questioned, a staff member clarified that while the seating time was two hours, the ordering period was limited to just one hour. Matters escalated further when the bill arrived: instead of the expected 8,250 yen for three people, the total came to 10,890 yen. The extra charge was attributed to a previously undisclosed “weekend fee” of 800 yen per person.
Police are urging the public not to follow street solicitors casually, warning that such practices are often linked to overcharging schemes in nightlife districts.
Source: TBS
