Japan Sees Rise in ‘Baito Tero’ Pranks by Part-Time Workers Seeking Online Fame
February 11, 2026
In Japan, a new problem called 'baito tero' is troubling many businesses. It means part-time workers play pranks or do stunts at work and post them on social media to get attention. According to a report by HR company Mynavi, nearly one in four Japanese companies could be targeted this year. Most of these pranks become known because the workers share videos online. Places like karaoke bars, hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, and factories are the most common targets. The term 'baito tero' combines 'arubaito', meaning part-time job, and 'terrorism', showing how serious these acts are seen. In one case, ramen chain Kairikiya sued two part-time workers caught on video throwing eggs in the kitchen after hours at a Sakai City branch. The company said no customers were served then but still fired the employees and filed a police complaint for damages. Kairikiya also said it has tightened its employee rules to prevent more incidents.
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Tags:
Japan
Baito Tero
Workplace Pranks
Part-Time Employees
Social media
Kairikiya
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