Tobita Shinchi: Dealing with Problematic Customers

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Tobita Shinchi is no stranger to difficult customers, and the establishments, or ryotei, dread the disruption caused by such behavior. Common problematic actions include:

• Asking excessive or unnecessary questions.

• Standing in front of the shop asking questions but showing no intention of entering or spending money.

• Engaging in prolonged conversations with baba (the managers) or the women, disrupting business.

• Loitering, pacing back and forth, and staring at the women up close.

• Attempting to haggle or demand discounts.

• Making inappropriate comments about the women’s appearance or attire.

If the street is bustling but no one enters the shop for hours after opening, the baba may consider it bad luck and resort to traditional methods to dispel negativity:

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1. Scattering Salt

• Scattering salt at the shop’s entrance is a long-standing Tobita Shinchi tradition believed to drive away bad luck and problematic customers.

• The salt is placed on plates for easy cleanup at closing time.

2. Sprinkling Water ("Uchimizu")

If scattering salt doesn’t help, some baba may sprinkle water outside the shop. In Japan, uchimizu (water sprinkling) serves multiple purposes:

1. Dust control – Preventing dust from flying around.

2. Cooling and cleansing – Bringing coolness and removing bad energy.

3. Preparation signal – Indicating to passersby that the establishment is clean, ready, and welcoming.

These actions aim to minimize disruptions from problematic customers while attracting genuine patrons to step in and enjoy the experience.