Watami
Overseas Franchise
Expansion Status
| Products and Services Offered | Sashimi, Sushi, Yakitori, Hot Pot (Sukiyaki), Teppanyaki, Ramen, Various Drinks (Ishokuya Style) |
|---|---|
| Countries of Overseas Expansion | Hong Kong / Taiwan / Singapore / Philippines (As of December 2025) |
| Number of Overseas Locations | 48 stores (As of December 2025) |
| Franchise Contract Type | Joint Venture (JV) / Franchise Agreement (Varies by country and area) |
Since 2001. A New Brand
for Every Market Need.
Founded in 1984, the Watami Group is an extensive restaurant chain in Japan. Starting with its entry into Hong Kong in 2001, the brand has expanded the "Ishokuya" style—a dining concept combining food and drinks—into international markets.
In Asian markets, it has gained support as a daily dining destination for young adults and families by balancing sophisticated spaces with affordable prices. In recent years, alongside the izakaya format, the group has expanded into multiple brands including the Wagyu yakiniku chain "Kamimura" and specialized fried chicken stores. The strategy of flexibly selecting store formats based on local needs supports the stability of its business.
Key Features of
the Overseas Franchise
The All-You-Can-Eat
That Doesn't Feel Like One.
One defining feature of Watami Group's overseas expansion is its yakiniku operations utilizing proprietary brand beef such as "Satsuma Gyu." Particularly with the "Kamimura" brand, it differentiates itself from competitors by combining an all-you-can-eat Wagyu menu with a non-contact delivery system using serving lanes.
Beyond simply providing ingredients, the business model creates higher average spend and customer satisfaction by offering a complete Wagyu dining experience, setting it apart from typical all-you-can-eat restaurants.
The Greeting
That Sets the Brand Apart.
One element for which Watami is highly acclaimed overseas is the hospitality quality of its store staff. Proprietary service training has been implemented in international locations, establishing a system where local staff practice Japanese-style greetings and customer service.
Maintaining this service quality serves as a differentiator against local competitors. A store environment offering comfortable service enhances customer trust and contributes to sustained repeat business.
Pick the Right Brand.
Stack the Efficiency.
The brand possesses the flexibility to launch the most suitable brand based on the market environment of each country or region rather than limiting itself to a single format. For example, it deploys izakaya formats in markets with high izakaya demand and fried chicken specialty stores in areas with high takeout demand.
This strategy allows for the concentrated opening of multiple brands within specific regions, leading to reduced logistics and management costs. The wide range of options to expand based on market changes provides rational benefits for partner companies.
Reviews from Store Visitors
“tried their extreme tendon , it was very generous portion and taste good, the tendon came with 1 big big fish and 2 tempura, 1 pc of chicken, onsen egg and vegetables at affordable price.”
“I love their sushi rolls, sashimi is usually fresh, udon and rice bowls are great too. Sometimes service is a bit slow.”
“We ordered two hot pot sets; the dashi soup was excellent. The beef was very nice and sufficient for that price. In addition, we also topped up another two portions of beef. We also ordered the skewer set and it was quite good and generous. The service was good.”
“My family fave Japanese restaurant. Nice food, great promotion deals and excellent value for money.”
“i was greeted with a warm smile, friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable staff of the restaurant who were willing to go to the extra mile without any expectations.”
Watami
Company Information
| Brand Name | Watami / Kamimura |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Watami Co., Ltd. |
| Head Office Location | 1-1-3 Haneda, Ota-ku, Tokyo |
| Date of Establishment | April 1992 |
Strong Enough to Lead It.
With a menu ranging from tendon to hot pots and sushi, it’s a popular choice for families looking for variety! It's great to see how the many dining choices and the service from the staff contribute to customer satisfaction in every store.
Watami's strength is its ability to adapt its menu as market needs change. More than just a Japanese restaurant, it’s a brand that fits right into the daily lives of local diners!