TOKYO (TR) – The Minato Ward Office on Thursday ordered a seven-day business suspension for a restaurant operated by a former mixed martial arts fighter after 78 people contracted Salmonella poisoning at a local summer festival, reports Daily Sports (Sep. 3).
During the popular Azabu Juban Noryo Festival held on August 22 and 23, dozens of patrons fell severely ill after consuming cold crab ramen served at a stall run by the restaurant Kappo Komeo.
According to the Minato Public Health Center, 78 individuals were confirmed to have been infected with Salmonella as of September 3. Three victims suffered symptoms severe enough to require hospitalization, though all have since been discharged.
Kappo Komeo is owned by “Komeo,” a former popular competitor in the one-minute martial arts event BreakingDown. Dubbed the “fighting chef” during his time in the ring, he later transitioned into a businessman, opening his titular restaurant in the upscale Azabu Juban district and a crab ramen shop in Asakusa earlier this year.
The ward slapped the restaurant with a business suspension order effective from September 3 to September 9.
Minato Ward mayor Ai Seike addressed the mass poisoning, stating, “We take this matter very seriously. We strongly demand that the operator provide a sincere response to those who suffered and thoroughly overhaul their hygiene management.” Seike added that the ward will conduct strict monitoring to prevent a recurrence.
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Following the official ruling, Komeo took to X to issue a public apology to the victims.
“I deeply apologize from the bottom of my heart for the immense pain, trouble, and concern caused to those who fell ill, their families, and all involved parties,” the ex-fighter wrote.
Doubtful of his future in the culinary world, he added, “Moving forward, I have to ask myself if it is right to continue operating the restaurant as a chef. I will suspend operations for now and face this incident from square one.”
Prior to the official health department ruling, Komeo had confirmed that an investigation was underway and promised to provide compensation to the affected customers.
