RResidents in Japan

Had the police threatened to be called for missing a haircut appointment.

  • April 19, 2026

I recently moved to a new city and ironically, this barber was recommended to me by my previous barber in the neighbouring city.

I admit I'm at fault, I made an appointment thinking it was next week, but misclicked or misthought and made the appointment for this week, and then got on with my life.

So, I'm riding the train and I get a call, I can't answer. I get a text asking me where I am? I'm like weird, and reply: who is this? because they didn't use their name or business name.

It's x barber, you have an appointment for now, you didn't show.

I apologise and say I thought it was for next week, can we reschedule?

NO, THE FEE IS 6,600 FOR MEIWAKU (the price of the cut tbf), IF YOU DO NOT PAY BY THE END OF THE DAY, THE POLICE WILL BE CALLED.

I'm thinking oh my, so I quickly go to the ATM and transfer the money.

I do not mind paying for missing the appointment, I just found it bizarre, a little frightening and kind of funny that it escalated to calling the police so quickly.

What made me laugh even more was after I asked if he had received the money, he said yes, I hope to see you in the future for your next haircut…

hmm… idk about that one chief.

EDIT: Okay, more updates to the drama (it's not that interesting).

I told my wife about it on LINE and she was like, wait, say his name again.

Turns out, she went to school with this guy?? And according to her he was a massive delinquent then.

The world is very small huh.

by jerklock

24 comments

  2. It would be a civil matter anyway, so presumably the cops would have told him it’s none of their business anyway 

  3. Next time you forget an appointment, and get threatened, just don’t pay and block and never use that business again. What crime did you commit? You were bullied and folded faster than…can’t think of a clever analogy at the moment.

  5. If they have a no-show fee in their TOS that you probably agreed to, they can legally charge you and you have to pay.

    But, if you don’t pay that’s a civil thing, not a criminal offense.
    They can either take you to small claims court or give the case to a debt collector. Police will not get involved.

    So threatening with the police is a huge red flag and I personally wouldn’t go to that barber shop ever.

  6. TBF, if this is a one person owner-operator situation, you not showing is a big deal. No-shows mean they don’t get paid at all. The threat is over the top, but I completely understand the sentiment.

  11. Cancellation cost I can technically see but as a potentially long-term customer it’s insane customer relations on a first strike. Was that policy even stated upfront? And the ‘pay by sundown’ threats…just wow. Is that how they treat all their clients?
    I’d have gone and resolved it in person, handed over the money, and asked a few questions and let them know that while it was my bad, it was an innocent error and I very much didn’t appreciate the harassment and threats, and how could I comfortably come back after that etc. 
    You could still do that because that’s some heavy-handed bs, then at least set it out plainly in a Google review so other people know.

  12. I would definitely not go back to this barber. Doubt they can do much through, you made a honest mistake. I bet it happens more often than you think.

  13. I’ve missed an appointment before, I just apologized and that was it. He rescheduled it for me no problem. I’ve been going to the same barber now for 7 years. Although it only costs 4500yen.

  14. It’s up to you if you want to pay. There is zero chance they’ll pursue it for that small of amount. They’ll likely text/call you to harass you for a few days and give up.

    A friend of mine booked an omakase place for himself only, price was crazy, ¥60,000 or something. He literally got hit by a car while riding his bicycle to the restaurant. They text/called him 30+ times threatening to sue him. They didn’t care that he had proof he was in an accident and in the hospital. The texts/calls stopped about a week later. Nothing ever happened.

  15. Hair cut appointments in Japan are treated like doctor ones. Somebody has to let them know that they are out of their mind. My wife was a pain in the ass reminding not to be late until one day I just decided to shave my head. You have to pick your battles.

  19. Don’t underestimate the pettiness of people here

    I’d have paid and never used them again

    You actually had a great outcome here, imagine if you actually turned up and had your hair cut by somebody who does stuff like this

  21. You should add some online reviews to warn others about this shops treatment towards its clients

  23. At the end of the day, the guy got a one time payoff where he could have just let you reschedule, wait to get paid until next week, and potentially then turn you into a loyal customer for years…

    Just insanely amateur business sense.

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