Between June and August, Susumu Sato, a 49-year-old boss of the Achiai Kanamachi Rengo, a second tier group of the Yamaguchi-gumi, and one other suspect are alleged to have demanded payment — specifically mikajimeryo, or protection money — from the 31-year-old manager of the restaurant.
According to police, the suspects initially accosted an employee handing out tissues to mark the opening of the restaurant, which is located in the Dogenzaka business district near JR Shibuya Station.
The suspects have refused to comment on the allegations.
Police suspect that Sato has been involved in demanding mikajimeryo payments from other businesses in the area.
