Japanese YouTuber sparks outrage over comments on Taiwanese food

Japanese YouTuber sparks outrage over comments on Taiwanese food

2026-10-02

A Japanese YouTuber living in Taiwan might have committed the greatest offense of all time…criticizing Taiwanese food. The Youtuber, who goes by Zorro, publicly expressed his dislike for Taiwan and criticized the food at night markets drawing intense criticism online. After investigations, he has been exposed for allegedly obtaining work and residence permits in Taiwan over three years ago under the title of “company manager,” but actually worked as a store clerk. The Taipei City Government has given him a fine of NT$30,000.

- What is this? The pickles are very sour and have an alcohol smell. I’m not eating that.

Wearing expressions of disgust, Zorro, a Japanese YouTuber, spat out the snacks he was trying Kaohsiung’s Liuhe Night Market. His disrespect of the food sparked outrage among locals. The controversy has also surfaced some violations of work permit regulations for foreigners in Taiwan.

According to publicly available information from the Taipei City Government, Zorro originally came to Taiwan with the title of “company manager,” with an employment period from Oct. 20, 2023 ending this month. The reality is harsher, Zorro was simply not a manager. When the store underwent inspection in August, he admitted on the spot that he sold goods and handled the cashier desk like a regular clerk.

Chang Ching-han
FTV reporter
It seems, he applied for a work permit to come to Taiwan three years ago as a company manager. However, when I visited his shop on Dihua Street, I saw that he was just taking care of the shop, which is inconsistent with his application.

Although, he argued to the inspectors that he was short-staffed over the summer which is why he was helping out more at the store, the officials were not convinced and slapped him with a fine of NT$30,000 in accordance with regulations. Still, Zorro appealed, but the appeal was rejected.

- If its yummy, I’ll say its yummy.

Just last month, Zorro was happy to take an interview with FTV at the store entrance, but this time, given the violation of work and residence regulations, he was unwilling to speak with media and even called the police on us.

Zorro facing online backlash for criticizing Taiwanese food is the least of his concerns, he now faces issues with residency as his permit is set to expire on the 19, and it may not be a smooth extension.

#yuhorii #yuholy #japanese #influenceroutrage #nightmarket #stinkytofu

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53