'Fleeced' Japanese couple decline Rome's invite to revisit

Friday 31st July, 10:56 AM JST

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virgo at 10:41 PM JST - 31st July

Many of you didn't see this when it first happened. They were in a moderate priced restaurant and they were charged for food they didn't order. Also they were charged 2-3 times what people say that place charges. Expecting 100-200 dollar meal and getting 5 times that is ridiculous. Even the government and local media (who know the place) agreed. It was a straight up rip off. I have seen people purposefully try to rip off Japanese because of their reputation for non conflict in tense situations. Don't try to blame the victim here. Even though I am more aware in many cases...the fact that someone tries to take advantage of you is not YOUR fault. As for Japan..I have never been ripped off or seen it. Unless you include private snack shops that don't want foreigners who can't read there rules for theie drinking policies. We think it is expensive but the locals who go to those places pay and accept it. It is not getting ripped off when you actually have a choice. I saw $4 US peaches the other day and opted for the juicy $1 ones. They were good. I could have bought some for $10 each and Americans will say it is a rip but here people value certain soil fruit specially grown. In Japan you pay for what goes into making something..not just the end result. The $1000 dollar melons are ceremonial and bought by rich folks or for ultra special occasions. We enjoy juicy $5-10 melons and love em. More than at home but at the same token living in Tokyo I can afford the fruit as I don't pay for car insurance or gas like at home.
kwatt at 10:44 PM JST - 31st July

It is very understandable that Yamada doesn't want to revisit Rome right after the nasty incident, even revisit is an offer of Italian government. If he revisited Rome, I think some Italian news press guys would chase him all over there. That would be more nasty.
usaexpat at 11:38 PM JST - 31st July

So the question is did the bill match the prices on the menu? If so then no problem. If they were overcharged for being foreigners that's a whole other matter. I think they're nuts for not taking the free trip however.
Asara at 12:48 AM JST - 1st August

Despite imperial time architectures everything else is either primitive or funny over there this price war scene is just tip of the iceberg from lousy italians.
bobbafett at 12:59 AM JST - 1st August

I would not take the trip either. If you took the trip you are whoring yourself as the restaurant did to Yamada. You will be just as dirty.
Fadamor at 04:14 AM JST - 1st August

12 oysters and a lobster are "super-exclusive"? I got news for them, the Red Lobster down the street as the same meal for around $18.00 per plate. $900.00 vs. $36.00... Hmmm. I wonder what seems wrong here?

He was right to bring the police in on this. Unlike those cynics who see an ulterior motive in everything everyone does, I applaud the man for declining the invite back at Italy's expense. Maybe it will embarrass the Italian government just that much longer than if they could have paid him off with a return trip.
Sarge at 06:04 AM JST - 1st August

tclh - Hey, that Sydney Chinese restaurant is still a good deal compared to that Italian restaurant!

But Red Lobster is an even better deal!
sfjp330 at 06:41 AM JST - 1st August

Most people would react in a anger. This guy, Yamada has alot of class and composure. I admire him for the way he handled this situation.
Himajin at 08:45 AM JST - 1st August

It happened to us in Switzerland, on a much (much) smaller scale...all DH and I had on us were 50-franc notes, having just arrived, on a Saturday afternoon when everything was closed. Bought a 14-franc pizza, gave a bill to the waiter and he never came back. We waited, then I went looking for him. The other staff were spectacularly unhelpful. We gave up.
tigris at 09:03 AM JST - 1st August

I applaud the man for declining the invite back at Italy's expense. Maybe it will embarrass the Italian government just that much longer than if they could have paid him off with a return trip.

Exactly. Being ripped off in a restaurant in Rome isn't news really. Declining the offer of a government minister and standing above the opportunistic fray certainly is. The news coverage in Italy is now much more extensive than after the complaint and in addition the story is widely reported in the international media.
sfjp330 at 04:41 AM JST - 2nd August

Since this is over $500, why don't the Italian police file a criminal charge against this individual or business for grand theft or fraud. This is same as stealing and they should make this business pay back the difference to Mr. Yamada with apology.
Monoflow at 03:28 AM JST - 3rd August

@Himajin... It's rare in Switzerland, believe me, I'm swiss. If you would insist instead of giving up, you will get your money back. Italy, well, because it's near I'm there kind of often. All I can say is, it became a hell of expensive, but Italians in general are okay. And always in Europe, if something is wrong insist, insist, insist if you are right. Tourists are a resource of earning money in every country, so there are some black sheeps around...
sf2k at 03:44 PM JST - 3rd August

on the Swiss thing, why not just ask for the manager, tell them what's up and politely ask for your change after a nice meal? Did you complain to anyone? (other than staff) I don't follow .

For Yamada-san to maintain his poise in the face of such a blatant rip-off speaks to the Italian Minister's apology as it was wholly the restaurant's fault. I like how the-nice-way wins here and how Yamada-san hit them back where it really hurts-- reputation
Nessie at 10:18 AM JST - 4th August

Are you telling me my 900-dollar tab for dinner at Red Lobster was inflated?
NicolaRovetta at 12:13 AM JST - 8th August

Not all Italians are the same. To say "I'm sorry" to Japanese tourists, we created a group and posted a video. Enjoy and accept our apologies!

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guXUfKque0w

Facebook Group: http://tinyurl.com/sumimasen