The bar now stipulates entry only to customers between 29 and 39 years old, arguing that older people tend to complain too much about the noise and ruin the atmosphere.
A bar in Tokyo has introduced an unusual age-based entry policy that limits access to older customers. The measure drew criticism online and reignited the debate about age discrimination in nightlife spaces.
Tori Yaro Dogenzaka, an izakaya located in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood, recently displayed a sign stating that the entrance is closed. limited to customers between 29 and 39 years old. The notice describes the place as “an izakaya for younger generations” and specifies that it is aimed at patrons under the age of 40.
The bar is part of a larger chain, although the Shibuya location appears to be the only branch to date to have made this policy explicit. The restriction is described as a “soft ban” since includes several exceptions and cannot be legally enforced. Customers over 40 can still enter if accompanied by at least one person aged 39 or under, and exemptions also apply to friends or family of workers and partners. Reports suggest that customers who insist on entry may not be refused entry outright.
According to the , security guards at the door are instructed to ensure that customers are in “appropriate condition” and comfortable with lively atmosphere of the venue, although it is unclear whether this refers to dress code, behavior or alcohol consumption.
The chain defended the policy, arguing that it aims to align customer expectations with the pub’s energetic environment. Tori Yaro is known for its low prices, casual design and noisy and lively environmentwhich, according to the company, attracts mainly younger audiences.
“Our customer base is essentially young,” said Toshihiro Nagano, the chain’s public relations representative, who adds that older customers “They tend to complain a lot about the noise in the restaurant and things like that, so we decided to limit who comes in.”
The measure was criticized on social media, with some users classifying it as discriminatory and to argue that age does not necessarily reflect a person’s behavior or preferences.
Age-based entry policies aimed at older customers are not unheard of in East Asia. In South Korea, many clubs and bars, particularly in Seoul’s Hongdae district, impose informal age limits, often banning entry to people over 30. Similar practices have been reported in Itaewon and Gangnam.
Some cafes, sports facilities and other establishments have also introduced so-called “no-go zones for seniors”, generally aimed at customers over 70 years old, citing concerns about the environment and compatibility.
