Viral: Japanese eatery's face-slapping service goes offline; checkout more about unique dining experience
PTC Web Desk: Shachihoko-ya, famed for its face-slapping pre-meal ritual, caused a stir in Nagoya before abruptly discontinuing the practice following online uproar. The service, priced at 300 Japanese Yen and popular among locals and tourists alike, led to unexpected fame for the establishment.
Yet, a recent statement on social media announced its halt, expressing inability to accommodate slap-seeking visitors due to unforeseen viral attention.
The unusual service, initiated in 2012 by a lone staff member, surged in demand, prompting the hiring of multiple slap-delivering attendants. The fate of this service remains uncertain – whether permanently retired or awaiting a revival.
In a different culinary realm, Japan houses another intriguing spot: the 'Restaurant of Mistaken Orders'. Far from a mishap, here, waitstaff deliberately serves unexpected dishes, challenging patrons to confront their perceptions about dementia.
Spearheaded by director Shiro Oguni, the concept defies misconceptions, showcasing that people with dementia can engage, albeit in unconventional ways. Dining at this venue requires embracing unforeseen orders and interactions, encouraging warmth and humour amid the unexpected.
The project, featuring dementia-affected staff, promotes understanding through playful mishaps such as shared meals, unordered dishes, or forgotten orders, urging diners to approach the experience with empathy and lightheartedness.
- With inputs from agencies
