UK restaurant changes ‘offensive’ name following major backlash
A Japanese restaurant in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, has now changed its name after it was blasted as being 'very offensive' - with the owner saying that he 'never intended to cause harm'
A restaurant has rebranded following backlash over its "very offensive name".
The Japanese eatery in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, was launched in December 2024 with the name 'JAP TO GO' - but caused upset with residents, with some saying it bore a resemblance to an ethnic slur. Following an apology and statement explaining the choice of name back in April, the restaurant's owners have "delivered on their promise" to change its name and the venue will now be known as Nara Roll.
Owner Karim Mansour said: "From “JAP TO GO” to “Nara Roll” - A New Chapter Built on Respect and Community. A few months ago, we shared an important message with our community.
"We had learned that the name of our restaurant, JAP TO GO, while never intended to cause harm, was offensive to many. We promised to listen, learn, and make a change. Today, we’re proud to let you know that we have delivered on that promise. Our restaurant has a new name: Nara Roll.
"We chose Nara because it’s one of Japan’s most historic and cultural cities - beautiful, meaningful, and easy to remember. Roll connects with what we love most: sushi rolls, ice cream rolls, and the spirit of rolling forward with creativity and freshness.
"This has not been an easy journey. Change can be difficult for a small independent business, but the support of our customers has made it possible. We want to thank every person who has continued to visit us, share kind words, and leave reviews online.
"Thanks to you, we’re proud to be one of the top-rated restaurants in Stockport, with over 290 Google reviews and a 4.9 star rating. While our name has changed, our heart hasn’t. We’re still the same team, still serving the food you love, and still here to share the best of Japanese street food and sushi with our community.
"For us, Nara Roll isn’t just a new name - it’s a fresh chapter, built on respect, flavour, and the people who make our community so special."
Back in April, Karim Mansour explained that the first part of the restaurant's name was meant to stand for Japanese Authentic Perfection, but locals in the area said the name was "offensive and ignorant".
Calling out the restaurant on social media earlier this year, one person said: “It is a very offensive word to Japanese people so it would be appropriate if you change the name and never use the word as stand for Japan.”
Another said: “How could you possibly think this was acceptable? You claim it’s out of “respect”? Calling us [the name] is not respectful. It’s offensive and ignorant.”
Following the backlash, Karim Mansour previously told the Manchester Evening News: "We’ve heard your feedback, and we want to offer our sincere apology to those who have been hurt or offended by our restaurant’s name.
“When we opened “JAP TO GO,” our intention was never to cause harm. The name was originally meant to represent: J – Japanese, A – Authentic, P – Perfection. But regardless of that original meaning, we now understand the impact the name has had. I want to speak from the heart and share where I stand.
“I have always loved and respected Japanese people, culture, and food. My goal in opening this restaurant was to celebrate and share the beauty of Japanese cuisine and tradition with my local community.
“If you’ve visited, you’ve likely seen this reflected in many small details - from the care we put into our food, to things like Japanese flag colouring sheets for children.
“We now fully understand that the name of our restaurant has upset and hurt many people - especially in the Japanese community - and I want to say clearly: that was never our intention, and we are truly sorry for the pain it caused.” At the time, the restaurant owner said he was ‘currently not in the financial position’ to be able to change its name, but said he said he was committed to rebranding when it is possible to do so.
