Number of Japanese Restaurants Overseas Declines for First Time Since Survey Began: 181,000 Restaurants, Down 6,000 The “Approximate Number of Japanese Restaurants Overseas” survey, compiled biennially since 2013 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with cooperation from overseas diplomatic missions worldwide, was announced on the evening of November 28th, one month later than originally scheduled. The delay in announcement was likely due to the fact that this was the first decrease. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the number had maintained a 1.9% increase, but now, in normal times, there has been a decrease of 6,000 restaurants. Where exactly did this decrease of 6,000 restaurants, representing a … Continue reading →

Takesan Ramen’s first restaurant in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, celebrated its sixth anniversary today. When we opened six years ago, there were only one or two authentic Japanese ramen restaurants in Mongolia, including Aji-Sen. Actually, our franchisee in Mongolia did not initially intend to open a Takesan Ramen restaurant. They expressed their desire to start a Japanese food franchise business. We listened to their experience, achievements, existing business, and management philosophy, and introduced them to several businesses that we thought would be a good fit for them. Seven years ago, they came to Japan on an inspection tour and spent four to five days visiting many Japanese food franchises. Among them, Takesan … Continue reading →