Dine-and-Dash Incident at Okazaki's Sakura Chaya, Linked to Popular YouTuber's "Sacred Site" Pilgrims, Sparks Outrage

On the afternoon of the 11th, a dine-and-dash incident involving two young men occurred at Oyasumidokoro Sakura Chaya in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. Although the damage amounted to a small sum—two goheimochi rice cakes and one ramune soda—the fact that the culprits were carrying a shopping bag from the popular YouTuber group Tokai On Air suggests they were fans on a "sacred site pilgrimage," leading to a significant stir on social media.

According to Sakura Chaya's announcement, the dine-and-dash took place around 2:50 PM on the 11th. The culprits were described as two young men wearing red-colored T-shirts. The shop, located on the grounds of Okazaki Castle, is known as one of the "sacred sites" frequently visited by Tokai On Air fans.

Upon hearing the news, many users on X (formerly Twitter) expressed condemnation. Harsh comments such as "Dine-and-dashers are scum," "Pathetic," and "Uncool" poured in. Regarding the act of not paying a small amount for food and drinks, many highlighted the severe consequences, stating, "Such a small amount could end your life" and "It will be etched into your soul until you die."

Furthermore, the fact that this incident occurred during a "sacred site pilgrimage" drew numerous expressions of disappointment, with comments like, "The golden rule of pilgrimage is not to shame your idol" and "This calls the fans' civility into question." Some even voiced concerns that the popular group Tokai On Air, who are unrelated to the incident, might suffer reputational damage.

On the other hand, some users suggested alternative possibilities, such as "Could it have been an honest mistake, a forgotten payment?" or "It's too small an amount for a deliberate dine-and-dash, and would they bother tidying up their trash if it was one?" Others offered advice to the shop, suggesting they "should introduce a ticket machine" for orders.

In this day and age, with the widespread use of security cameras, it is generally believed that the culprits are highly likely to be identified, with some pointing out that they "could probably be found easily by scouring social media." Dine-and-dash is a criminal act classified as fraud under the Penal Code, and even small amounts can lead to arrest or prosecution. Sakura Chaya has called for information and stated that they have already consulted with the police.

The context

Tokai On Air (東海オンエア): A highly popular Japanese YouTube group based in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, known for their comedic vlogs, pranks, and various challenges. They have a massive following, and their hometown of Okazaki has become a destination for their fans.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage (聖地巡礼, Seichi Junrei): A common phenomenon in Japan where fans visit real-world locations that are featured in, or associated with, their favorite anime, manga, movies, TV shows, or in this case, a popular YouTube group. It's a way for fans to connect more deeply with their beloved content or idols.

Goheimochi (五平餅): A regional specialty, particularly in the Chubu region of Japan (which includes Aichi Prefecture). It's a grilled rice cake, often flattened and shaped, coated with a sweet and savory sauce (typically miso, soy sauce, or walnut-based). It's a popular snack or light meal.

Ramune (ラムネ): A popular Japanese carbonated soft drink, distinctive for its unique Codd-neck bottle sealed with a marble. To open it, a plunger is used to push the marble down into the neck of the bottle.