Calgary's Japanese Village Restaurant Reopens Following Health Violation Closure
The popular Calgary restaurant Japanese Village has officially reopened its doors to the public after being forced to close by Alberta Health Services. The establishment was ordered to cease operations on January 29, 2026, following a routine inspection that uncovered significant health code violations.
Health Inspection Reveals Cockroach Infestation
Environmental public health inspectors from Alberta Health Services conducted a standard inspection at the Japanese Village location in late January. During their assessment, they discovered what officials described as a significant cockroach infestation within the restaurant premises. This finding prompted immediate action from health authorities, who issued a closure order to protect public health and safety.
The restaurant management complied with the order and temporarily suspended all dining operations while addressing the identified issues. Cockroach infestations in food establishments represent serious health concerns, as these pests can contaminate food preparation areas and spread bacteria that may cause foodborne illnesses.
Restaurant Addresses Health Concerns
Following the closure order, Japanese Village management implemented comprehensive pest control measures and thorough cleaning protocols to eliminate the infestation. The restaurant underwent subsequent inspections to verify that all health violations had been properly addressed before receiving approval to resume normal operations.
"We take food safety and public health extremely seriously," stated a representative from the restaurant. "We have worked diligently with Alberta Health Services to resolve the issues identified during their inspection and have implemented additional preventive measures to ensure this situation does not reoccur."
Public Health Monitoring Continues
Alberta Health Services maintains an ongoing monitoring program for food establishments across the province. Regular inspections help ensure compliance with provincial health regulations and protect consumers from potential health risks associated with improper food handling or unsanitary conditions.
The reopening of Japanese Village comes with the understanding that health officials will continue to monitor the establishment through follow-up inspections. This is standard procedure for restaurants that have experienced significant health violations, ensuring ongoing compliance with Alberta's strict food safety standards.
Importance of Restaurant Inspections
This incident highlights the critical role that regular health inspections play in maintaining food safety standards across Alberta's restaurant industry. Public health officials emphasize that:
- Routine inspections help identify potential health hazards before they affect customers
- Immediate closure orders prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses
- Follow-up inspections ensure corrective actions have been properly implemented
- Transparent reporting helps consumers make informed dining decisions
Calgary diners can now return to Japanese Village, which has been a fixture in the city's culinary scene for years. The restaurant's management has expressed gratitude for customer patience during the closure and has reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety moving forward.
