Everyone visited because of Jiro San, but we were informed upon arrival that Jiro San himself is disinclined to serve foreigners, only serving Japanese individuals. Foreign customers were attended to by his son, Yoshikazu. However, Yoshikazu's treatment of foreign guests was highly disrespectful, bordering on unreasonable. Before dining, we were briefed on numerous rules: sushi must be eaten immediately after being served, no waiting, formal attire required, women should not wear perfume, photography forbidden（Japanese customer allowed to take photos), and one must eat 20 pieces of sushi in less than 30 minutes—leaving no time to enjoy the process. Out of politeness, I complied, but during the meal, Jiro and Yoshikazu completely ignored the foreign guests, engaging only with the Japanese customers next to them. They even had the tea initially placed before me served to Japanese customers first, a shockingly unreasonable act of pandering to Japanese guests. The dining process felt like an assembly line, with all ingredients prepared by apprentices before being handed over for sushi making. The hand-rolled sushi for foreign guests was made by apprentices, while Jiro himself made those for Japanese guests. This discriminatory treatment was very uncomfortable.
Post-dining, Jiro mechanically stood at the door for photo opportunities with guests, without a smile, and without communicating, only saying goodbye to my Japanese host. His demeanor towards Japanese guests, in contrast, was entirely different, even bowing deeply as they left. Despite Jiro's legendary status in sushi making, the differential treatment by father and son suggests foreign guests might better avoid the unpleasant experience. The lack of manners from both father and son reflects poorly on them. A legendary figure should not only excel in their craft but also in how they treat people.
If a child is not taught, it is the father’s fault. His son behaves this way, it must be allowed by the father. Lastly, if they discriminate against foreign guests, they shouldn't keep accepting interviews with foreign media to praise themselves or accept reservations from foreign customers. I respect all their rules, but I don’t few any respect from any of them in return. I will definitely to share this appalling experience with all my media and foodie friends.
