A wave of armed robberies targeting Japanese nationals has plunged Japanese-run restaurants in Manila into crisis, forcing many to shut their doors and others to band together for survival.
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Since October last year, more than 20 robbery cases involving Japanese victims have been reported, according to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.
The violence has led Japanese companies to restrict evening outings for employees, draining customers from popular nightlife districts once frequented by expatriates and business travellers.
“Sales have fallen to one third or half of what they used to be,” said Masaaki Ema, who operates an izakaya restaurant and a bar in the city of Makati, part of metropolitan Manila. “Fellow restaurant owners are closing down one after another.”
Makati is home to the “Little Tokyo” area known for its cluster of Japanese eateries.
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