OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police on Monday arrested the managers of a one-time Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant for allegedly selling bento boxes contaminated with norovirus while operations were suspended, reports Fuji News Network (June 16).
Police accused Hirokazu Kitano, the 69-year-old manager of Kiichi, his son, 41-year-old Hirotoshi and his wife, 68-year-old Noriko, of violating the Food Sanitation Law.
According to police, the three suspects allegedly sold eleven bento boxes contaminated with norovirus on February 16 despite an order to cease operations.
The incident emerged after a total of 33 customers experienced symptoms that included vomiting and diarrhea following the consumption of meals at the restaurant or bento boxed meals sold between early and mid-February.
A doctor reported to the public health center that norovirus was detected in the stool of a patient who visited the restaurant on February 10, 2025.
After an investigation, the public health center determined that the food poisoning was caused by food provided by the restaurant and ordered the restaurant to suspend operations for two days from February 15.
But the problem persisted. Between February 22 and 24, an additional 23 people contracted norovirus after eating at the restaurant. The center ordered the restaurant to shut again from March 2. Business resumed on March 18.
Luxurious bentos
The catered bento boxes in question were luxurious, containing simmered dishes, tempura, sashimi and other items. The list price was 7,268 yen each, including tax.
A total of 11 “Rokutsugiri Kongo Makunouchi” and “Kids’ Bento” boxes were made during the suspension of operations.
When asked to comment on the making and selling of bento boxes despite an order to halt operations, Hirokazu Kitano stated, “We cooked and sold 11 bento boxes at Kiichi. We had a poor understanding of the dangers of norovirus.”
Police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.
