Kaohsiung’s Hikou rice Dot Faces New Dispute with Landlord Amidst Relocation
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The popular “Hikou Rice Dot,” a Japanese rice ball store in Kaohsiung run by a Taiwanese-Japanese couple, is again embroiled in conflict with their landlord. This latest incident occurred as the store prepares to relocate due to previous rent disputes. On the evening of June 16th, neighbors reported hearing shouts for help near the Qinghai Road location, raising concerns about renewed tensions between the parties.
Background of the Rent Dispute
Mr. Higuchi, a Japanese national, and his Taiwanese wife, Zhang Meijuan, established Hikou Rice dot after moving from Niigata, Japan. Their venture quickly gained popularity, drawing attention to their small business. However, in April, disagreements arose when the landlord allegedly sought to increase the rent, leading to a strained relationship and public outcry after the landlord reportedly damaged property outside the store.
Did You know? Small businesses in Taiwan often face challenges negotiating lease terms with landlords, especially in rapidly developing urban areas.
Relocation Plans and Community Support
Following the initial dispute, Hikou Rice Dot initially resisted moving. However,with community support,including assistance from legislator Huang jie,they confirmed plans to relocate to Cuihua Road by the end of July. In the interim, they are establishing a temporary sales location at the Zuoying Station of the Kaohsiung MRT, starting July 6, according to the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation.
Latest Incident: Shouts for Help
Despite the impending move, a new incident occurred on June 16th. witnesses reported hearing a woman shouting “Help” and requesting an ambulance near the store. The disturbance involved the landlord and the Higuchi couple, with both sides appearing distressed but without obvious injuries. Mr. Higuchi was also heard shouting, “Save us,” according to local news reports.
Pro Tip: Documenting all interactions with landlords, including taking photos and videos, can provide crucial evidence in case of disputes.
Police and Public Reaction
Police and ambulances arrived at the scene following the reports.The exact cause of the conflict remains under investigation. The incident has sparked discussion online, with some netizens alleging a pattern of harassment by the landlord, while others speculate about potential motives, including publicity or underlying issues between the parties.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | initial rent dispute reported; landlord allegedly damages property. |
| Early June 2025 | Mediation confirms Hikou Rice Dot will relocate to Cuihua Road. |
| July 6, 2025 | Temporary sales site opens at Zuoying MRT Station. |
| July 2025 (End) | Expected relocation to new store on Cuihua Road. |
| June 16, 2025 | New dispute occurs; shouts for help heard near the store. |
Evergreen Insights on Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Landlord-tenant disputes are a recurring issue globally, often stemming from disagreements over rent, property maintenance, and lease terms. In Taiwan, the Civil code and the Land Act provide a legal framework for these relationships, but disputes can still arise due to varying interpretations and power imbalances. Mediation and legal consultation are often recommended to resolve such conflicts amicably. According to a 2024 report by the Taiwan Ministry of Justice, property-related disputes accounted for approximately 15% of all civil cases filed in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Hikou Rice Dot relocating in Kaohsiung?
- Hikou Rice Dot is relocating due to unresolved rent disputes with their landlord at the Qinghai Road location in Gushan District, Kaohsiung.
- Where will Hikou Rice Dot be moving to?
- The new location for Hikou Rice Dot is on Cuihua Road, where they plan to open next month after moving from their current location.
- What caused the recent disturbance at Hikou Rice Dot?
- A recent disturbance occurred when the landlord appeared outside the store, leading to a suspected dispute that prompted a woman to shout for help.
- Who are the owners of Hikou Rice Dot?
- Hikou Rice Dot is jointly run by Mr.Higuchi, who is Japanese, and his Taiwanese wife, Zhang Meijuan. They moved from Niigata,Japan,to open the store in Kaohsiung.
- What kind of support has Hikou Rice Dot received?
- hikou Rice Dot has received support from various sectors, including local village ministers and legislator Huang Jie, who have assisted with their relocation efforts.
What do you think about the landlord-tenant relationship in this situation? How can small businesses protect themselves from similar disputes?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
