Japanese Soba Chain Chief Defends Hiring Foreign Workers Amid Backlash

The president of soba chain operator Yudetaro System has defended the company’s hiring of foreign workers following public criticism, according to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun.

Yudetaro System operates about 130 company-run stores nationwide. (Photo: 多摩に暇人が撮影, Wikimedia Commons) 

Tomoaki Ikeda, 68, began posting on the company’s official Facebook page in late February, addressing a wide range of topics including menu promotions, wage negotiations, and artificial intelligence.

While most of his posts typically attract 10,000 to 20,000 views, those discussing foreign workers have recently drawn up to 300,000 views.

The shift in attention followed the rise of the phrase “Japanese first” during last year’s House of Councillors election. Ikeda said he received criticism such as, “You’re a traitor to the nation,” and, “You’re going to let foreigners make soba?”

He acknowledged deliberately addressing the issue to gauge public reaction. Yudetaro System operates about 130 company-run stores nationwide.

The company says it cannot sustain operations without its foreign workforce.

It employs around 160 Japanese staff and more than 500 foreign workers from countries including Myanmar, Vietnam, and Nepal, along with approximately 1,200 part-time employees.