News On Japan

The Era of Donut Wars in Japan

TOKYO, May 15 (News On Japan) - Japan’s growing donut market has entered a new phase with the opening of popular American chain Randy’s Donuts’ first store in Daikanyama, Shibuya, marking its debut with handmade offerings and an iconic oversized donut monument as the 'donut Sengoku era' intensifies.

Originally founded in Los Angeles in 1952, Randy’s Donuts has appeared in numerous films and television shows. The Tokyo location features more than 40 varieties of donuts, all made fresh in-store daily, with up to 1,000 donuts on display. The menu includes colorful options such as the “Chocolate Candy Raised” priced at 550 yen, and a Japan-exclusive “Limited LA Blue Custard Cream Set” of 12 donuts for 5,500 yen, inspired by the vibrant Los Angeles sky and available until June 15th.

The store’s bestseller is the “Glazed Raised” donut, priced at 360 yen, which has retained its original light and fluffy recipe since the company’s founding. Reflecting its American roots, Randy’s donuts are notably large: the “Texas Glazed” has a diameter of about 16 cm, compared to the regular “Glazed Raised” at 11 cm. A 4-meter-wide version of the brand’s iconic donut-shaped monument has also been installed outside the new Tokyo store, echoing the 10-meter version that serves as a landmark at its Los Angeles flagship.

Commenting on the expansion, CEO Mark Kelegian said, “Japan’s donut market is showing significant growth, and expanding into Tokyo is a very important step.” The domestic market is projected to reach around 150 billion yen in 2025—about 1.5 times its size five years ago.

While donuts are often associated with the United States, Japanese-style donuts have evolved to suit local tastes and are now gaining global recognition. After Krispy Kreme first entered Japan in 2006, its overly sweet flavors drew criticism, and sales declined. But since launching products tailored to Japanese preferences in 2016, the brand has rebounded and now operates 83 stores nationwide as of May 14th, with products widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Japanese brands are also making inroads abroad. The homegrown “I’m donut?” chain, which opened its first store in Nakameguro three years ago, now operates six locations in Japan and opened its first overseas shop in New York this April, where it is already proving popular.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A professional women’s golf tournament scheduled to begin on July 17th in Miyagi Prefecture was canceled after a bear was spotted on the course, as bear-related incidents continue to mount in northern Japan.

For the first time in 27 years, since the 118th prize in 1998, both the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize were left without a recipient, marking only the sixth instance in the prize’s history that such a decision has been made.

A host club operator in Nagoya has been arrested for allegedly threatening a female customer at her home in an attempt to collect about 1 million yen in unpaid club bills. This marks the first such arrest in Japan following the enforcement of revised regulations on the adult entertainment industry.

Nissan Motor announced on the evening of July 15th that it will end vehicle production at its key Oppama Plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, by the end of fiscal 2027. Company President Ivan Espinosa held a press conference at 5 p.m. to explain the decision.

About 300 railway enthusiasts gathered near JR Ōmiya Station in Saitama City around 3 a.m. on July 13th, creating chaos that escalated to the point of police intervention.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Food NEWS

Deep in the Mountains of Hyogo Japan this Pizza shop owner began his journey at 70 years old! He thought making pizza would be fun and rather than open a traditional Japanese restaurant he decided to take on pizza! (Japanese Food Craftsman)

Familiar with the grand Tokyo Station entrance? That is Marunouchi. Placed in the heart of Tokyo, it is the town’s finest financial district. Think about the infamous New York’s Wall Street… but in Tokyo. So, what’s good there? (Japan by Food)

This huge Japanese school has a huge cafeteria that feeds over 2200 Japanese High School and Junior High School students during lunch time. It's a massive effort to feed that many hungry students during lunch time. (Japanese Food Craftsman)

Ever been to Sushiro, Japan’s beloved conveyor belt sushi chain? Most people go for the classic tuna, salmon, or shrimp — but today, we’re doing something different. (TabiEats)

Just one train stop away from Shibuya is Daikanyama, one of Tokyo’s most stylish neighborhoods, according to locals, and home to trendy brand stores and cafes. Some even refer to it as the Brooklyn of Tokyo… but how’s that? (Japan by Food)

Forget the high-end Ginza you’ve heard of! In this video, we visit three local shopping streets in Tokyo—each with "Ginza" in their name, but full of daily life, delicious food, and hidden charm.

At first glance many guess Yakuza, but this fully tatted chef's passion is all about Wagyu beef and cooking up delicious T-Bone steaks for his customers and putting on a show for the guests of his restaurant. (Japanese Food Craftsman)

If you’re visiting Okinawa, don’t skip the street food in Naha! In this video, we explore the best local eats along Kokusai Dori and the surrounding streets. From traditional Okinawan snacks to sweet treats and local specialties, this is a street food tour you don’t want to miss. (TabiEats)