Go Tokyo Your Experience
Many modern people habitually wear headphones when going out, utilizing fragmented commuting time, either to enjoy the wash of music or to wander in the sea of videos. So, do you have such a habit as well? Especially during meals, do you temporarily take off your headphones? It is worth noting that Japan has recently sparked widespread discussion due to a unique initiative by a ramen shop owner.
He suggested that customers should not wear headphones while eating noodles to avoid reducing the turnover rate. This idea quickly became a hot topic online and attracted media coverage. Next, let’s take a closer look at the shop owner’s perspective.
The ramen shop “Yokohama Ie-Kei Ramen Budoka Honten” located in Shinjuku, Tokyo has become the focus of attention due to a post by the owner that sparked heated discussions on X.
Unlike the usual focus on delicious food, this time it is due to the owner’s emphasis on the impact of customers wearing headphones while dining…
The shop owner wrote: “Please do not wear headphones in the store. We may not be able to hear your feedback when we ask about your preferences for ramen, and we might not serve you because you didn’t hear us, especially customers who wear headphones to watch videos really lower the table turnover rate. (The store has already prohibited eating while scrolling on your phone.) It has never been this exaggerated before.”
It is precisely because of this post that the shop owner’s Ｘ account has unwittingly fallen into a whirlpool of controversy. Internet users are debating whether wearing headphones while dining is really a problem, with some arguing that the shop owner is “being too controlling.”
At the same time, the store’s Google Maps review page has also been flooded with a large number of dissatisfied comments.
In response to this incident, Japan’s Asahi TV specially interviewed the store owner to try to understand why he posted this message…
The shop owner explained, “In fact, this phenomenon has been around for a long time, with many customers wearing headphones while dining, especially recently.”
He pointed out, “When serving customers, some people are so immersed in the sounds from their headphones that they cannot hear calls, which makes it difficult for us to provide service.”
Moreover, many customers watch videos on their phones or even play mobile games while dining, which naturally delays the efficiency of the meal.
In order to understand the views of different people, the reporter also interviewed customers who are in the habit of using headphones at the dining table…
A customer candidly said: “When I dine alone, I often wear headphones to watch shows like YouTube or Netflix, enjoying my own company.”
Another person said: “I hope that when I’m eating, I can completely focus on my own world without being disturbed by the outside.”
Some customers also expressed that they would choose to wear only one earphone to ensure they can hear the staff’s inquiries.
Because I know I will be asked about my preferences by the staff, I only wear one earphone to make sure I don’t miss anything.
This phenomenon raises thoughts about the habits of modern people. The advancement of technology allows us to access information anytime and anywhere, enjoying efficiency and convenience, but perhaps it also brings about a neglect of the warmth from those around us. So, when dining, will you choose to wear headphones and immerse yourself, or will you take them off and interact with your surroundings?
