Gatten Sushi
Gatten Sushi is a popular Japan-born conveyor belt sushi brand founded in 1986, now operating approximately 50 international locations, particularly across Asia. 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 | Conveyor Belt Sushi (Authentic Chef-Prepared Style), Sashimi, Tempura, Sake |
|---|---|
| Countries of Overseas Expansion | China / South Korea / Taiwan (As of January 2026) |
| Number of Overseas Locations | Approx. 50 stores (Entire RDC Group as of January 2026) |
| Franchise Contract Type | Directly Managed / Joint Venture (JV) / Franchise |
Craft, Voice, and Energy
Beyond the Conveyor
Founded in 1986, Gatten Sushi is a conveyor belt sushi chain built around gourmet preparation standards, focusing on in-store preparation of ingredients sourced directly from markets. Since entering Shanghai, China in 2008, the brand has expanded primarily in South Korea and Taiwan, building a track record as a Japanese food brand across Asian markets.
Unlike general conveyor belt sushi chains that prioritize full automation, the brand adopts a strategy of providing the chef's preparation process and lively customer service as added value. By capturing the demand of middle-income and affluent segments overseas seeking a quality dining experience, Gatten Sushi establishes a distinct market position.
Key Features of the Overseas Franchise
Whole Tuna Breakdown Demonstrations
and In-Store Fish Preparation
as a Freshness Signal
A strength of Gatten Sushi is its system of preparing fish in each store without over-relying on central kitchens. For instance, the whole tuna breakdown demonstrations held regularly at overseas stores in South Korea and other locations serve as a method to demonstrate the freshness of ingredients while functioning as an event to attract customers (*).
In overseas sushi markets where the use of frozen ingredients is common, the system of showing the preparation process right in front of customers provides visual reassurance. This visualization of the process acts as a factor that encourages brand trust and consistent repeat visits.
For operators evaluating this model, the key question is how the local seafood supply chain holds up against the brand's freshness standards — and what sourcing support the franchisor provides in each market.
'Gatten Shochi!': The Call That Sets the Room Apart
The energetic call of "Gatten Shochi!" (Certainly!) when receiving an order is introduced as a Japanese hospitality style in overseas stores in South Korea and other markets. This lively space creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese marketplace, setting it apart from standard dining venues.
The active interaction between staff and customers turns the dining environment into an entertainment experience, tending to generate the kind of sharing that's hard to prompt through conventional advertising.
A Premium Casual Position
Between Fine Dining and Automated Chains
Avoiding direct competition with fully automated Japanese chains and local sushi restaurants, the brand takes a premium casual strategy of being more accessible than high-end restaurants while maintaining authentic quality.
Through the extensive use of natural wood in the interior and arranging spacious booth seating in addition to counter seats, the brand caters to family celebrations and business dining. This distinct positioning is the reason the brand is widely accepted, particularly in urban areas of Asia.
Reviews from Store Visitors
"Quick and delicious sushi at a convenient spot."
"Fresh and delicious, with good quality and service."
"Surprisingly fresh, with thick-cut salmon slices."
"Sushi was all fresh and made to order quickly, overall combinations and preparations were done well. Aside from tablet ordering you can also grab items off the revolving train and they will count the plates at the end. Service was fast and efficient."
"They have platters and other dishes you can order through the tablet, and the chef will hand them to you at your table."
Gatten Sushi Company Information
| Brand Name | Gatten Sushi |
|---|---|
| Company Name | R.D.C. Co., Ltd. |
| Head Office Location | 2-1 Ishihara, Kumagaya, Saitama, Japan |
| Date of Establishment | 1986 |
Reading through the reviews, the phrase that keeps showing up is something like "better than expected for a conveyor belt concept." And it seems like it's not just the fish — it's that the chef is visibly doing something in front of you. A whole tuna being broken down, an order arriving with "Gatten Shochi!" called across the room.
The reviews mention photos and sharing — which makes sense. It's a bit hard to explain "conveyor belt sushi with a live tuna breakdown and a signature shout" without showing someone. Kind of says something about the format.