A Japanese conveyor-belt sushi chain is investigating a disturbing viral video that appears to show an individual pouring a clear liquid, suspected by some viewers to be dishwashing detergent, over plates of sushi before removing them from the conveyor belt.
The footage has reignited concerns over food tampering in Japan, just years after a series of high-profile pranks at sushi restaurants sparked nationwide outrage and damaged public confidence in conveyor-belt dining.
The video, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, shows a person repeatedly squeezing a transparent liquid onto sushi travelling along a conveyor belt inside a restaurant. The individual is then seen taking the affected plate away.
The clip quickly attracted widespread attention online, with some viewers initially questioning whether it had been created using artificial intelligence. Others argued there was no confirmation that the liquid was actually detergent. However, many social media users agreed that regardless of the substance involved, the act appeared reckless and raised serious hygiene concerns.
Internet users soon began analysing details visible in the footage, including the restaurant’s equipment, plate designs and condiment layout. Many speculated that the incident may have occurred at a branch of popular conveyor-belt sushi chain Hama Sushi.
In response, the company confirmed it was aware of the circulating video and had launched an internal investigation. According to the chain, the restaurant fixtures and plate designs shown in the footage strongly suggest that it was filmed inside one of its outlets.
The company said it is currently working to identify the exact branch where the incident allegedly took place and stressed that such behaviour would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Restaurant representatives warned that actions of this nature undermine customer confidence and could potentially create concerns over food safety. The company added that it is treating the matter as a serious issue and has not ruled out filing a police report once investigations are completed.
The incident has also triggered fierce debate online. While some users argued the person may have intended to consume the affected sushi personally, others countered that performing such acts in a public dining environment could still create panic among customers and damage the reputation of the restaurant.
Japan has faced several similar incidents in recent years. In one of the most notorious cases in 2023, a teenager sparked nationwide backlash after being filmed licking communal items at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, prompting legal action and a substantial compensation claim by the operator.
With memories of previous food-prank scandals still fresh, many consumers are now calling for tougher penalties against individuals who deliberately disrupt public dining environments for online attention.
