Sushiro Expands to Over 50 Stores in China

BEIJING, Apr 27 (News On Japan) - Sushiro, one of Japan's leading conveyor belt sushi chains, is rapidly expanding its presence in China. On April 30th, it plans to open its first location in Zhejiang Province, bringing the total number of stores on the mainland to more than 50 in less than four years since entering the market.

In China, where sluggish economic conditions continue to weigh on consumer spending, Japanese restaurant chains known for strong cost performance are gaining greater visibility.

On April 25th, Sushiro held a pre-opening event at its first store in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, attracting more than 30 local media representatives and influencers. Hangzhou is a major hub for high-tech industries, home to companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and emerging AI firm DeepSeek, contributing to the city's robust economic growth.

The new restaurant features innovations such as "Digiro," a large digital display that simulates sushi traveling along a conveyor belt, allowing customers to place orders by touching the screen. It also offers private dining rooms, a rare feature for conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Japan. Prices start from 10 yuan (approximately 200 yen) per plate.

Source: 産経ニュース

Foreign Residents Now 3% of Japan's Total Population

As Japan faces an ongoing decline in its birthrate and aging population, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has released data showing the country’s total population.

Record Heavy Rain Hits Kagoshima

Record heavy rainfall hit Kagoshima Prefecture, and residents began recovery work on September 9th. In Kirishima, where the first heavy rain special warning of the year was issued, rivers overflowed, and muddy water flowed into residential areas.

Japan's Population Declines for 16th Straight Year

Japan’s population of Japanese nationals has decreased for the 16th consecutive year, according to demographic data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. As of January 1st, 2025, the Japanese population stood at 120.65 million, a drop of roughly 910,000 from the previous year—marking the largest annual decline on record.

Dangerous Heat Leaves Cows Exhausted and Summer Crops Failing

A severe and prolonged heatwave is taking a widespread toll across Japan, affecting everything from traditional summer events to vegetable harvests and dairy farms.

Officials Investigate Fireworks Fiasco

Authorities have launched a full investigation into the fire that broke out during the Minato Mirai fireworks festival in Yokohama, where five workers had to be rescue from an exploding barge.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Tesla Opens First Store in Okinawa

Tesla has opened its first direct store in Okinawa, located in the city of Tomigusuku.

Pocky Secures 3D Trademark

The iconic stick-shaped chocolate snack Pocky has been officially registered as a three-dimensional trademark, marking a major milestone for manufacturer Ezaki Glico.

Seven-Eleven Outlines Bold Growth Plan

Seven & i Holdings has announced a new mid-term strategy targeting the addition of 2,300 stores globally by 2030—1,000 in Japan and 1,300 overseas—amid concerns that the company has grown complacent in its dominant market position.

Dangerous Heat Leaves Cows Exhausted and Summer Crops Failing

A severe and prolonged heatwave is taking a widespread toll across Japan, affecting everything from traditional summer events to vegetable harvests and dairy farms.

Mazda's Profits to Fall by 80% Due to U.S. Tariffs

The impact of Trump-era tariffs is being strongly felt. Mazda has announced its financial forecast for the fiscal year through March 2026, which had previously been left undecided due to the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs.

Japan's Rice Strategy Fails

Japan’s government plan to flood the market with stockpiled rice to lower prices is facing setbacks, as demand slumps and cancellations from retailers increase. Initially popular, the rice is now piling up on shelves, prompting calls to extend the end-of-August sales deadline. Even discounted imported rice is struggling to sell. Meanwhile, rice prices have unexpectedly risen for the first time in 10 weeks.

Worst Drought in 31 Years Threatens Japan's Rice Harvest

A severe water shortage is spreading across Japan, triggering fears of a significant impact on this year’s rice harvest and prompting farmers and local governments to call for urgent conservation efforts. Some are warning that the current situation may rival or even exceed the infamous drought of 1994, known as the "Heisei Great Drought."

Japan Sets Record Minimum Wage Hike as Path to 1,500 Yen Goal

Japan's national average hourly minimum wage for this fiscal year has been set at 1,118 yen, marking a record increase of 63 yen from the previous year.

< 2 3 4 5 >