Watami
Watami is a Japan-born izakaya and multi-brand restaurant group founded in 1992, now operating 48 locations internationally across Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Philippines. This page covers its overseas expansion status, key operational features, and franchise contract types for international operators.
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 1992, 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 a more complete dining experience that tends to extend the visit and the order naturally, 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 gives the brand a distinct character that most local competitors don't replicate. A store environment offering comfortable service enhances customer trust and contributes to sustained repeat business.
That said, maintaining consistent service quality — particularly the Japanese hospitality standard — across franchise locations in markets where staff training infrastructure varies is an ongoing challenge that the multi-brand model adds complexity to.
Pick the Right Brand.
Build from There.
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 formats means partner companies are not locked into a single concept as the market evolves.
Reviews from Store Visitors
"Tried their extreme tendon — generous portion and good taste, with a large fish, tempura, chicken, onsen egg and vegetables."
"The sushi rolls are good, sashimi is usually fresh, and the udon and rice bowls are worth trying."
"We ordered two hot pot sets — the dashi soup was flavorful. 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."
"A pleasant dinner in this casual Japanese eatery — it overlooks the MRT track, which kids enjoy. There's a substantial kids set meal with a mix of dishes — tempura, udon, edamame, karaage. The grilled chicken and beef rice bowl were good."
"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 |
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The Welcome Doesn't.
Reading through the reviews, the thing that keeps coming up alongside the food is the greeting. "Warm smile," "went the extra mile" — it shows up more than I expected for a group running izakaya, yakiniku, and fried chicken concepts at the same time.
The variety makes sense in a different way when you read it. It's not so much "we have lots of options" as "whichever brand you walk into, there's something for whoever's with you." Hot pot, tendon, sushi rolls — and someone happy to help you figure out what to order.