In a shocking string of viral videos, customers have displayed unhygienic behavior at conveyor belt sushi restaurants across Japan. Dubbed “sushi terrorism,” the acts are related to a social media trend that involves teens touching conveyor food in unsanitary ways, then placing the item back on the belt. 

According to NBC News, the trend began late last year, with one even showing a teen wipe saliva on a plate of sushi, licking the rim of a cup, and placing them back on the shelf. In another video, a diner literally sprayed hand sanitizer on food as it passed by. The “sushi terrorism” has sent shockwaves through Japan’s kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) industry.

@todayonline Several videos dubbed "sushi terrorism" have emerged on social media in recent days and sparked an uproar in Japan, a country famed for its high standards of cleanliness. #trending #sushi #sushiterrorism #japan #japanesefood ♬ Serious incident, bad news, dark mood, criminal(1256000) - SAKUMAMATATA

The stock values of several companies has even begun to slide as a result of the terrible trend, understandably scaring customers who frequent these establishments. Two men, ages 21 and 19, along with a 15-year-old-girl, were arrested in Japan’s Aichi prefecture after being identified in a video where one drinks soy sauce directly from the communal bottle. The kaitenzushi restaurant in question is run by the Kura Sushi chain. In response, Kura Sushi swore to do everything in their power to protect the tradition of conveyor belt sushi.

“We sincerely hope that this arrest will serve as a catalyst for widespread public recognition of the ‘crime’ of nuisance behavior that shakes the very foundations of the system based on relationship trust with our customers, and we truly hope that there will be no more copycat crimes.”

@todayonline ? Pranksters in #Japan ?? have been messin’ with #sushi again - this time, they are spraying #disinfectant on food, ? spawning other copycat videos affect #ramen stalls too. ? #japantiktok #japanesefood #sushiterror #foodprank #viralpranks ♬ original sound - TODAYOnline

Other locations are taking more drastic measures, like Choshimaru, a chain that plans to phase conveyor belts out completely, instead opting for a low-risk touch panel system. The culprit behind the trend, and their reason why, remains unknown. Nevertheless, it would be sad to see the long tradition of conveyor belt sushi disappear due to a silly and high-key disrespectful prank.

I think sometimes we forget that food is a luxury and running a restaurant is expensive. Leave the unsanitary playtime for food you actually purchase, and preferably at home in your own privacy.