In a bilingual statement posted on its official website on May 12, Sasaya Holdings, which owns the yakitori restaurant, acknowledged that the manager of its affiliated restaurant, Yakitori Hayashin, had posted the signs without company approval, Global Times reported.

“We have since removed these notices and sincerely apologize to all customers who were offended by this action,” the company stated in both Chinese and Japanese.

The statement emphasized that “all our restaurants have always upheld the principle of equally welcoming all customers, including foreign guests, while striving to provide the highest quality service. This policy will remain unchanged going forward.”

The incident occurred at Hayashin Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Skewers, a popular grilled chicken skewer spot located in Osaka, which reportedly displayed a notice saying Chinese customers would be denied entry.

According to a translation by Dimsum Dailythe sign read: “Many people are impolite. We do not allow Chinese customers in our shop. Thank you for your understanding. Hayashin Charcoal-Grilled Chicken Skewers.”

The move sparked widespread criticism online, with many calling the sign “discriminatory.”

Japanese media reported that the establishment had not been open for long, and the owner has yet to respond to the growing backlash on social media.