Kyoto Restaurant Owner Arrested for Mislabeling Chinese Eels as Japanese
A 50-year-old restaurant owner in Kyoto has been arrested for allegedly misrepresenting Chinese-sourced eels as premium Japanese eels from Aichi Prefecture.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, a 50-year-old owner of a popular eel restaurant in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, Japan, was arrested on October 20, 2026. Authorities allege that the owner violated Japan’s Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations by falsely labeling imported Chinese eels as high-quality eels sourced from Mikawa, Aichi Prefecture.
Investigations revealed that the restaurant had been serving these mislabeled eels to customers and selling them through an online store. The deception was uncovered following a tip-off, which led police to conduct searches at the restaurant and related premises. Preliminary findings suggest the motive was to increase profit margins by passing off cheaper imports as premium local products.
For travelers and residents, this incident highlights the importance of transparency in the food industry, particularly in popular tourist destinations where premium local ingredients are a major draw. Similar cases of mislabeling have been reported in other Japanese prefectures, including Aichi and Nara, involving both restaurants and processing facilities. While the arrest has been made, authorities are currently working to determine the full duration of the fraudulent activity and the total financial gain obtained through these deceptive practices. Further details regarding the extent of the operation are expected as the investigation continues.
