Japanese restaurant sparks outrage in Mexico by serving endangered species

A Japanese restaurant has ignited a firestorm on social media in Mexico after a photograph surfaced, purportedly showcasing fried axolotls as part of its menu.

An axolotl is a unique and fascinating aquatic salamander native to Mexico.

Often referred to as the "Mexican walking fish," axolotls are culturally significant in Mexico and are considered an endangered species.

The digital uproar was triggered by images posted on X by Mexican journalist Nelson Valdez, who shared a photo of the supposed fried axolotls being offered by the restaurant located in Yokohama, Japan.

This incident has sparked an online debate on the ethics of consuming these amphibians.

Valdez noted that the restaurant featured this dish alongside other exotic foods such as shark liver, brown bear meat, crocodile, and various other animals.

Since Valdez's post has gone semi-viral, the restaurant's social media account seemingly deleted the original post showcasing the controversial meal.

Known for its seasonally changing menu, Noge Chinjuya, the restaurant in question, commands prices averaging approximately 100 U.S. dollars, according to online reviews.

On Twitter, Valdez shared a different photo of the fried amphibians and wrote: "Poor things! They even have a face of suffering. Who can calmly eat a meal like this?"

Other users on social media were similarly horrified with the meal.

One user on Twitter wrote: "That's disgusting; they look like waste from an abortion clinic."

However some users were quick to point out that these creatures were sometimes eaten in pre-colonial Mexico.

One user wrote: "Axolotls were always eaten in pre-Hispanic 'Mexico,' even until not long ago, when it was prohibited due to its danger of extinction."

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