Japanese conveyor belt sushi chain Kura Sushi is currently running a collaboration event with "Chiikawa," but consumers have been complaining about the "Bikkura Pon!" prize game, stating that despite winning multiple times, they couldn't get the highly sought-after charm figures. Some netizens even alleged that staff members were hoarding prizes and selling them online. On the 2nd, Kura Sushi issued an announcement on its website stating it would conduct a thorough investigation.
Kura Sushi Japan updated its official website on the 5th, announcing that the ongoing "Chiikawa" collaboration event will be completely suspended starting from store opening on the 6th. Following an internal company investigation, it was confirmed that employee misconduct occurred during the execution of this collaboration, leading to the decision to halt all related activities.
▼ The incident also trended on X, becoming a hot topic.
The "Chiikawa" collaboration event was originally scheduled to run from August 21st to September 30th. In addition to exclusive prizes for the "Bikkura Pon!" lottery and collaboration menu items, a second wave of the event had just launched on September 4th, offering limited-edition collaboration teacups for purchases over 3,000 yen, available while supplies last.
On the 2nd, Kura Sushi had posted an announcement on its official website titled "Regarding certain SNS posts concerning the 'Chiikawa' collaboration event," stating that the company was investigating claims on social media questioning the improper handling of "Bikkura Pon!" collaboration merchandise.
At the time, Kura Sushi also stated that if misconduct was confirmed, severe disciplinary action would be taken against the individuals involved, and legal measures would not be ruled out.
In its latest announcement on the 5th, Kura Sushi stated that after further investigation, "employee misconduct has been confirmed." A total of six items are being suspended: the "Bikkura Pon!" lottery prizes, teacup and sushi plate giveaways, the receipt lottery campaign, collaboration menu items, collaboration videos, and in-store decorations at some locations.
Although TV commercials will continue to air content stating "The 'Chiikawa' collaboration event is currently underway," Kura Sushi announced that starting from store opening on the 6th, all aforementioned collaboration activities will conclude.
Kura Sushi had explained on the 2nd that, in principle, collaboration prizes are stored in locked warehouses and, according to company regulations, are unsealed and restocked by multiple individuals, with a designated person in charge to ensure proper management.
Kura Sushi emphasized, "We absolutely do not tolerate any improper handling or acquisition of items." The company also stated at the time that if misconduct was definitively confirmed, disciplinary action would be taken against the individuals involved, and legal measures might even be pursued. Furthermore, Kura Sushi announced it would further strengthen merchandise management rules, including cross-referencing the number of prizes provided with actual inventory counts. Regarding the detailed investigation results and subsequent handling, Kura Sushi stated it would provide another public announcement on its official website once the relevant facts are clarified.
As numerous cases emerged on social media of customers spending large sums and drawing prizes dozens of times or more without receiving any figures, coupled with a surge of complete prize sets appearing on second-hand auction sites, some even claiming to be from staff members, the official confirmation of employee misconduct has unexpectedly cast a shadow of controversy over the "Chiikawa" collaboration lottery event.
via： 無添くら寿司のオフィシャルページ