Photo/Illutration Sushi served on a conveyor belt at a Kappa Sushi restaurant in Yokohama’s Totsuka Ward (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

The president of the company that runs the Kappa Sushi restaurant chain is under investigation for allegedly obtaining trade secrets unlawfully from rival Hama-sushi Co.

Kappa Create Co., which operates the major conveyor-belt sushi restaurant chain, said the Metropolitan Police Department is investigating its president, Koki Tanabe, on suspicion of violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Law.

Police searched the head office of Kappa Create in Yokohama’s Nishi Ward on June 28, the company said.

Tanabe is suspected of having received Hama-sushi’s daily sales data and other corporate information through emails sent by a person associated with the rival firm. It allegedly occurred several times between last November, when Tanabe became an adviser to Kappa Create, and mid-December.

Tanabe previously worked at Zensho Holdings Co., the parent company of Hama-sushi, before joining Kappa Create. His former colleague at Zensho Holdings reportedly sent him the emails in question.

Kappa Create said it has asked Tanabe about the alleged unlawful access to trade secrets of its rival company.

“We deeply apologize for causing great trouble and concern to Hama-sushi and concerned parties,” Kappa Create said in a statement.

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