Tori Yaro Dogenzaka, an izakaya located in Shibuya district, Tokyo, Japan, has ignited debate after announcing a policy to refuse older customers. Early this year, the establishment placed a sign at its entrance stating: "Only customers aged 20-39 accepted. This is an izakaya (a casual Japanese pub) for the younger generation, those under 40."
While Tori Yaro Dogenzaka is part of a larger izakaya chain in Japan, its Shibuya branch is the only one to publicly declare an age policy. Staff at the door are tasked with checking if customers are within the "appropriate" age range and if they would feel comfortable with the venue's atmosphere.
Inside Tori Yaro Dogenzaka izakaya. Video: YouTube/ANN News CH
Explaining the sign's message, the izakaya stated its goal is to ensure compatibility between patrons' preferences and the lively atmosphere of the venue. A dynamic environment is more suitable for younger people than older individuals. Despite this, the izakaya's rules still permit older customers if they are part of a group that includes at least one person under 39 years old.
This rule is waived for friends and relatives of staff, as well as the restaurant's business partners. Customers over 40 can still enter if they wish.
The izakaya chain is known for its affordable prices, simple design, and lively ambiance. "Essentially, our target demographic is young people," shared Toshihiro Nagano, the izakaya's media representative.
Older customers often complain about the noise or similar issues. Therefore, the izakaya decided to limit its clientele to ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
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Izakayas in Japan are always packed with customers every evening. Photo: Euro News
Many have labeled the decision as "discriminatory." Numerous comments suggested the izakaya discriminates based on age, as well as customers' physical and mental states. Conversely, many believe the age limit "has no impact" because the establishment caters to young people, and older patrons might find the atmosphere unsuitable anyway.
Tori Yaro Dogenzaka is not the first establishment to limit older individuals. In Hongdae, an area popular with university students in Seoul, bars and clubs with dance floors also informally apply a maximum age limit for customers over 30, with some even lowering the threshold to 28 or 25 years old. Certain venues in Itaewon and Gangnam also decline to serve older customers.
According to Korea Times, many sports facilities and cafes in Korea have established "no-senior zones," citing that older customers do not fit the atmosphere of these venues. However, such policies typically target the group of customers over 70 years old.
