Japanese-run restaurants in Metro Manila have adjusted operations after a series of armed robberies involving Japanese nationals were recorded across the capital beginning late 2024. According to information shared with the Japanese community through embassy advisories and police reports, more than 20 robbery cases involving Japanese victims have occurred since October 2024. These incidents were reported in areas with significant Japanese commercial activity, including Makati City, Manila’s Malate and Ermita districts, and parts of Pasay.
One of the most serious incidents took place on 15 August 2025 in Malate, where two Japanese nationals were shot and killed in what police identified as a robbery attack. The Manila Police District formed a special investigation task group and arrested two Filipino suspects connected to the case. Authorities stated that additional suspects were still being traced. Earlier incidents in Manila and Makati followed a similar pattern involving motorcycle-riding assailants approaching victims at night and taking wallets, bags, and personal items at gunpoint.
In March 2025, two Japanese nationals were robbed by armed suspects while walking near Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. Police reports from the district showed that victims were targeted while moving between establishments or walking toward their accommodations after dining out. Several robbery cases logged since late 2024 involved victims being followed after exiting restaurants or bars in commercial zones.
Japanese-run restaurants located in and around Makati’s Japanese dining cluster have reported a significant decline in evening customer traffic following these incidents. According to internal figures shared among operators, revenue in several establishments has decreased to between one-third and one-half of typical levels recorded in early 2024. Some operators confirmed that they shortened business hours, while others temporarily closed after observing minimal foot traffic at night.
Japanese companies with offices in Metro Manila issued reminders instructing employees to avoid non-essential activities after dark. These internal safety measures were circulated after robbery reports were shared with corporate security units. The decrease in employee movement at night contributed to fewer after-work group dinners, which previously accounted for a substantial portion of weekday sales in Japanese-run restaurants.
Local law-enforcement units have increased patrols in areas where multiple incidents occurred. Police stations in Makati and Manila have also been reviewing CCTV footage from establishments and street cameras to track motorcycle-riding suspects linked to several robberies. Authorities have not confirmed whether the cases are connected but stated that investigations remain active across multiple precincts.
The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines issued safety notices advising Japanese nationals to avoid walking alone late at night, use secured or company-arranged transportation when possible, carry minimal valuables, and report all incidents to the police immediately. These reminders were distributed through community channels, company safety officers, and expatriate groups.
In response to the situation, Japanese-run restaurants have adopted additional security measures. Several establishments reported hiring security guards, adding more surveillance cameras, improving lighting around store fronts, coordinating real-time updates with nearby businesses, and arranging transportation for employees after closing time. Operators stated that these adjustments were made to maintain safe conditions for staff and customers while continuing business operations amid reduced evening activity.
