I. Market Overview
- The number of businesses in the domestic restaurant industry that fall into the category of "foreign food restaurants" was approximately 16,196 as of 2023. Food Industry Statistics
- Franchise survey statistics show the "Japanese" category alongside Korean and Chinese cuisines, and the number of Japanese franchise brands and franchisees is steadily increasing. ( Republic of Korea Policy Briefing)
- In an environment of rising dining costs due to high inflation and high exchange rates, consumers are increasingly preferring brands that offer both reasonable prices and a differentiated experience. booster.wepick.kr
- In this context, the Japanese food franchise market is emerging as a competitive market with a strategy of "delivery/pickup channel combination + cost-effectiveness + themed stores."
II. Major Supply Chain Structure
division | Main items | Features and Characteristic Issues |
|---|---|---|
| raw materials | Fish and seafood, rice and cooked rice, seaweed and seaweed, sauces | Imported seafood and exchange rate sensitivity increase logistics costs to maintain freshness. |
| equipment and devices | Sushi conveyor equipment, ramen machine, refrigerated showcase | Growing demand for standardized equipment due to the expansion of themed stores. |
| Packaging and Logistics | Delivery containers, sushi boxes, kimbap wraps, and refrigerated delivery | Packaging innovation and cost pressures driven by the rise of delivery and takeout |
| IT/Operations | POS/delivery app integration, inventory management system | Multi-channel ordering, real-time inventory, and price fluctuation response systems are crucial. |
| Interior/Store | Open kitchen, Japanese-themed interior | Growing demand for experiential dining spaces is driving increased investment in interior design. |
Ⅲ. Supplier Network
- Japanese food franchise headquarters are actively working to integrate and manage their supply chains, including raw materials, packaging, equipment, and logistics.
- Raw material suppliers are managing cost fluctuation risks through direct purchase of fresh seafood and diversification of import sources.
- Packaging and logistics companies are shifting to refrigerated delivery, insulated packaging, and eco-friendly materials to address the increase in deliveries.
- IT solution providers are supporting franchisee operation efficiency through POS/delivery platform integration and multi-channel integration services.
Ⅳ. Demand and Consumer Trends
- Consumers are increasingly demanding value-for-money dining + convenient channels (delivery/takeout) + experiential stores all at once.
- In particular, with the increase in single-person dining and the spread of the solo dining culture, themed Japanese food brands (sushi bars for solo diners, ramen specialty stores for single diners, etc.) are attracting attention.
- With the cost of dining out rising, Japanese restaurants are also implementing strategies to launch cost-effective menu items and strengthen promotions. booster.wepick.kr
- As review- and social media-based consumption intensifies, the impact of packaging, delivery quality, and store atmosphere on brand reputation has grown.
V. Technology and Operational Innovation
- Delivery and Pickup Optimization : In addition to conveyor belt sushi tables, the Japanese restaurant industry is also strengthening its home-style response with products like "sushi set delivery" and "ramen kits."
- Expanding unmanned and kiosk operations : Orders for themed stores and kiosks are increasing to improve non-labor cost structures.
- Smart Inventory and Quality Management : Expanding investment in refrigerated distribution, temperature sensors, and history management systems to manage fresh seafood.
- Strengthening eco-friendly packaging and brand story : Lightening packaging materials and switching to recycled materials → Acting as a brand differentiator.
Ⅵ. Investment and profit structure
- Initial start-up costs are high for equipment, interior design, and raw materials, so the investment for a themed restaurant may be higher than that for a typical Korean restaurant.
- Sales fluctuate significantly during lunch, dinner, and delivery times, and profitability gaps exist depending on freshness and inventory management capabilities.
- Due to intensifying competition for value, maintaining menu prices and managing costs are key to profitability.
VII. ESG and Eco-Friendly Status
- Japanese restaurant franchises are strengthening their commitment to sustainability certification of seafood (e.g., MSC) , use of eco-friendly packaging materials , and elimination of plastic straws and spoons .
- Additionally, with the rise of delivery-centric operations, waste reduction and recyclable packaging solutions are becoming increasingly important for brand image and customer loyalty.
Ⅷ. Risk Factors and Response Strategies
Risk factors | influence | Response measures |
|---|---|---|
| Rising prices of seafood and imported raw materials | Cost increase → Menu price may increase | Diversification of import sources and utilization of domestically produced raw materials |
| Declining consumption due to increased spending on eating out | Possibility of a decrease in visits by those sensitive to dining out expenses | Adjusting the menu lineup and strengthening promotions |
| Delivery quality and freshness risks | Increased risk of reviews, returns, and reputation | Strengthening refrigerated delivery and improving packaging solutions |
| Brand saturation and intensifying competition | Declining sales per store and the need for differentiation | Expanding thematic enhancements, experiential stores, kiosks, and unmanned operations |
Ⅸ. AI Prediction Loop (2025-2026)
characteristic | Δ(increase/decrease rate) | analysis |
|---|---|---|
| domestic demand | +3~5% | Increase in solo dining and delivery + growth driven by hit brands |
| Delivery/takeout ratio | +10~15% | The trend toward mobility and convenience continues. |
| Unit price of raw materials (seafood, etc.) | +4~7% | Continued impact of global supply and demand and exchange rates |
| ESG packaging conversion rate | +20~25% | Strengthening consumer awareness and policy response |
Ⅹ. Conclusion and Implications
- Japanese food franchises are growing on the dual axes of stabilizing domestic demand and expanding delivery and solo dining channels.
- Freshness, logistics, and packaging systems between headquarters, suppliers, and franchisees are key to competitive differentiation.
- On the supplier side, we anticipate expanding B2B opportunities, including seafood, raw materials, eco-friendly packaging materials, and logistics solutions .
- To secure profitability, it is necessary to reorganize the menu line, maintain cost-effectiveness, and simplify the non-labor cost structure.
One-line summary :
The Japanese food franchise market is being reorganized around delivery and eating alone, and freshness, logistics, and packaging innovation are the keywords that will determine success or failure over the next two years.
