A Japanese ramen restaurant has ignited controversy by slapping a ban on Chinese customers, accusing them of being troublemakers.

Iekei restaurant in the Western city of Osaka announced on social media on January 4 that it had banned all Chinese people.

It said a Chinese person had caused trouble in the restaurant, forcing it to call the police.

The post said 90 per cent of the trouble it has with foreigners involves Chinese customers.

The move triggered controversy and accusations of racism. The post has so far attracted 33 million views and 1,800 comments.