國際時事跟讀 Ep.K655: Japanese Sushi Chain Adopts Digital Conveyor Belts Amid 'Sushi Terrorism' Incidents
In response to a series of hygiene concerns stemming from prank incidents known as "sushi terrorism," a popular Japanese sushi chain, Akindo Sushiro Co., has introduced a new way of serving food to its customers. Instead of the traditional method of placing sushi on rotating conveyor belts for customers to select, the chain has introduced a digital conveyor belt system. This innovative approach aims to enhance hygiene and provide a unique dining experience.
為了應對一連串被稱為「壽司恐怖攻擊」的惡作劇事件引起的衛生考量，廣受歡迎的日本壽司連鎖店，壽司郎（Akindo Sushiro Co.），引入了一種新的方式來供應食物給顧客。這家連鎖店不再像傳統的方式，將壽司放在迴轉輸送帶上供顧客挑選，而是引入了一套數位輸送帶系統。這種創新的方法目標是提升衛生水準並提供獨特的用餐體驗。
At select tables in three of their stores located in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, customers can now enjoy a new dining experience. Each table is equipped with a touchscreen display where customers can place orders by tapping on images of cartoon sushi and other menu items. Once ordered, the sushi is promptly delivered to their table via a separate conveyor belt from the kitchen.
在他們位於東京、大阪和名古屋的三家店裡的特定桌上，顧客現在可以享受一種新的用餐體驗。每張桌子都配備了一個觸控螢幕，顧客可以通過點擊卡通壽司和其他菜單項目的圖片來點餐。一旦下單，壽司將通過來自廚房的獨立輸送帶迅速送到他們的桌上。
The decision to implement this "next-generation shop experience" comes as a response to a series of pranks dubbed "sushi terrorism." Inspired by viral online videos, individuals engaged in acts like licking shared soy sauce bottles or tampering with food on the conveyor belts at the chain's restaurants. These incidents led to the arrest of at least five people involved in two separate cases this year, including a high school student who faced a lawsuit after a video showing him licking sushi went viral.
實施這種「下一代店鋪體驗」的決定是對一系列被稱為「壽司恐怖攻擊」惡作劇的應對措施。受到病毒式瘋傳影片的影響，導致有人在該連鎖店的輸送帶上舔共用的醬油瓶或干擾食物。這些事件導致了今年至少兩起不同案件中至少五人被捕，其中包括一名因爲一段舔壽司的影片而面臨訴訟的高中生。
Akindo Sushiro acknowledges the significant financial impact of these incidents, estimating losses of approximately 16 billion yen ($115 million). The negative publicity resulted in a drop in customers and a decline in the parent company's stock. To strike a balance between tradition and modernity, the company emphasizes that their touchscreens offer a "digital experience" while preserving the pleasure of watching the conveyor belts and choosing sushi.
壽司郎承認這些事件對財務造成了重大影響，估計損失約為160億日元（1.15億美元）。這種負面的宣傳導致顧客流失，以及母公司的股價下跌。為了在傳統和現代之間取得平衡，公司強調他們的觸控螢幕提供了一種「數位體驗」，同時保留了觀看輸送帶並選擇壽司的樂趣。
The touchscreen system also provides additional entertainment for diners, allowing two people to use it simultaneously and offering games and quizzes on the new terminals. Some customers have welcomed this change, seeing it as a way to enhance hygiene and provide a more modern atmosphere, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.
觸控系統還為用餐者提供了額外的娛樂，允許兩人同時使用，並在新設備上提供遊戲和測驗。一些顧客對這種變化表示樂見，認為這是提升衛生並提供更現代氛圍的方式，特別適合持續流行的疫情時期。
However, not everyone is pleased with the shift from the traditional kaiten style. Frequent patron Hideki expressed his nostalgia for the sushi train experience, citing the convenience of picking up sushi directly from the conveyor belts. He expressed concerns that the digital system might reduce the convenience factor. As the digital era continues to evolve, the balance between tradition and innovation remains a challenge for businesses seeking to meet the changing expectations of their customers.
然而，並不是每個人都對從傳統的「迴轉」風格轉變感到高興。經常光顧的客人Hideki就表達了對於壽司像列車駛來的懷舊體驗感，並提到直接從輸送帶上拿壽司的便利性。他表示對數位系統可能降低便利性的憂慮。隨著數位時代不斷發展，如何在傳統和創新之間取得平衡，滿足客戶不斷變化的期望，這仍然是企業面臨的挑戰。
Reference article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/05/business/sushiro-digital-sushi-conveyor-belt-japan-intl-hnk/index.html