The latest franchise news from Japan: new brands, market updates, regulation and events, curated by the Quality Franchise Association.
Daikoku Denki’s RoboCube robotics and programming classes for primary school children will exhibit at Franchise EXPO in Osaka on 18–20 November 2026, as the brand seeks to expand its franchise network beyond its origins in Aichi Prefecture.
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JFA’s survey for the 2025 financial year reports domestic franchise chain sales of ¥30.4874 trillion across 257,934 outlets. These figures combine franchised and company-owned outlets, making it important for prospective franchisees to understand the scope of the data.
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DREAM PONY has outlined post-signing support for Brand物販Plus franchisees, with weekly online meetings and chat-based advice on listings, customer service and product selection.
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ManabiLight is recruiting franchisees for centres combining local premises with one-to-one online tuition from tutors across Japan. Head office selects tutors and reviews lessons, while franchise owners handle enrolment consultations and family liaison.
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Clean Island Group, based in Minamiawaji, Hyogo Prefecture, has announced that it will begin recruiting franchisees for its Happy Clean Demolition shopfront advice centres in November 2026. Applications will be open to existing operators as well as companies and individuals entering the sector.
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An October 2026 tracking study found that ChatGPT named no specific brands in 83% of responses. Its differences from Gemini highlight how prospective franchisees should interpret AI-generated suggestions.
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Lawson has begun offering InstaVR’s staff training tools to interested franchise stores across Japan, aiming to reduce training time and expand training resources for foreign-national staff.
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EQWEL, which operates around 200 education centres across Japan, has introduced natural-language tools for running marketing campaigns. It is also developing enquiry support for franchisees as it targets 500 centres by the end of 2028.
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Tenkaippin’s Ikejiri outlet will close on 3 November as its ageing building is due to be rebuilt. Opened in 1985, the franchise restaurant hopes to reopen in nearby Sangenjaya, according to its manager.
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HILLS BOWL, founded in Osaka’s Minamihorie district, is preparing to open in Kagoshima and Fukuoka by the end of 2026. The brand has released internal figures showing interest from Kyushu and is recruiting franchisees across Japan.
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Haruyama Shoji has begun recruiting franchisees for Hotto Hitoiki Station. Aimed at businesses with at least 331 sq m of sales floor space, the shop-in-shop model uses around 132 sq m to bring underused space into productive use.
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Housing franchise DUAL HOME held its first national convention in Sapporo, discussing updates to its housing range and sales challenges. It has begun strengthening franchisee support, including seminars informed by participant feedback.
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Aqua director Matsubara explains the differences between convenience store operations and his company’s cleaning franchise, speaking candidly about gaps between franchisor systems and franchisees’ expectations.
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South Korean chain LEE GIMBAP has entered Japan with a flagship outlet in Tokyo’s Shinagawa ward. Combining a locally adapted menu with multiple sales channels, it aims to expand through franchising in key commercial locations.
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Makizume Research Institute has opened applications for its in-store franchise model, which uses spare space in existing premises. Previously expanded through referrals, the network is now accepting applications from other business operators, with training and customer acquisition support available.
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Cross One held its fifth franchise networking event in Ikebukuro on 23 October. Franchisor representatives, prospective franchisees and other businesspeople discussed store operations and new ventures, bringing together returning attendees and newcomers.
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Franchise Show 2027 is scheduled for 3–5 March in Tokyo and 22–23 July in Osaka. Exhibitor applications are open, and a food court package is being promoted for foodservice franchisors.
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At its 21st national JAM, Joycal Japan announced a 2027 strategy focused on making fuller use of existing products, built around local market share, the full product range and joint action by head office and franchisees.
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Tokyo’s Metropolitan Police Department held a cyber security seminar for franchise businesses and other companies on 28 October, urging 14 association members to delete personal data past its retention period and manage their systems properly.
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CCC has announced plans to launch TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE franchise operations in Thailand in November. A Malaysian joint venture between CCC and Sojitz will manage the franchise business, while a local bookshop chain will operate the store.
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Go Go Curry has opened internal applications for its GG Intrapreneur scheme, combining a franchise fee waiver, management training and a re-employment guarantee. A ¥2 million security deposit is still required to open a business.
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B&V, the company behind Karaoke Kan, has become a franchisee of Gyoza Sakaba Nikujiru Tottsuan. It will operate the Ikebukuro East Exit branch, opening on 26 October 2026, in partnership with brand owner double.
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DREAM PONY has published 60 franchisee reviews, including two- and three-star ratings, giving prospective franchisees insight into funding needs, day-to-day work and franchisor support.
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According to Meiko Network Japan’s results briefing for the year ended August 2026, Meiko Gijuku’s franchised centre count fell by 34 to 1,150, but franchise revenue increased. Higher student enrolment boosted royalty income and sales of teaching materials.
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Nac Life Partners has joined the TEAR funeral home franchise. Growing enquiries about end-of-life planning from customers of its resale and other businesses have prompted the company to enter the funeral sector, drawing on existing customer relationships.
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AoConcept announced on 21 October that it is launching a full-scale franchise rollout for its pellet-fired whole-house underfloor heating system. A business briefing on 9 November will target local building contractors and other firms renovating existing and vacant homes in Japan.
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Japan’s convenience store same-store sales rose 0.5% year on year in September 2026. Higher spending per visit and demand for heated tobacco products ahead of a tax rise supported sales, while customer visits continued to decline.
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GI Breaker exhibited at Franchise Conference 2026, held at AP Shimbashi on 9 October. Through discussions with multi-site operators, it proposed ways to address electricity bills and equipment costs.
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Relay Life opened Las Vegas Day Service Kamagaya on 12 October. Part of a brand with 22 company-owned and franchised centres, the new facility also offers transport from selected areas of Funabashi.
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Aged Hida beef yakiniku restaurant GYU-SUKE is recruiting corporate franchisees, prioritising tourist destinations across Japan. Using its company-owned Takayama restaurant as a model, it plans to serve aged local branded beef at each location.
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On 15 October, XTech Ventures released the first half of a discussion with FiT founder Keita Kato, exploring LifeFit’s expansion to around 500 gyms across Japan and its growth model combining company-owned and franchised sites.
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Familia, based in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, is stepping up recruitment for a partner scheme that lets owners choose their own restaurant names. Its first partner restaurant, BARRIO TACOS, has opened in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, as the company targets Japan’s regional cities.
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CREOK has announced a franchise offering live commerce operating expertise. Its first phase envisages 13 locations across Japan, combining training, livestream presenters, shared AI and data resources, and support for the first 100 days after opening.
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RX Japan will hold the first New Business WEEK Osaka at INTEX Osaka from 18 to 20 November 2026, offering companies a chance to compare franchising, M&A and business partnerships as routes to diversification.
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Dog grooming chain Eyes Dog has announced a network of around 20 company-owned and franchised salons across eight Japanese prefectures. It welcomes enquiries about opening within veterinary clinics and existing businesses, and offers training and ongoing support.
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Osouji Honpo was the most frequently mentioned brand in generative AI responses in Branding Works’ September 2026 survey. Different leaders on ChatGPT and Gemini highlight the need to interpret AI results carefully when exploring franchise opportunities in Japan.
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Kobe-based Yorkys Entertainment reportedly ceased trading on 6 October and began preparing to file for bankruptcy. The move came less than three months after nationwide franchise recruitment began, with debts of approximately ¥350 million.
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BuySell’s nationwide franchise recruitment and target of 650 group stores by the end of 2027 have drawn a cautious response in a business start-up advice video. Prospective franchisees need to distinguish expansion plans from the viability of an individual outlet.
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Matcha brand MATCHAMON is stepping up franchise partner recruitment. It operates seven outlets in Japan and overseas, including temporary locations, and offers 14 days of training alongside pre- and post-opening support.
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Cypress Holdings aims to open 10 franchise outlets and sign agreements with 10 franchisee companies in the year ending August 2027. Building on its first Ginza Sozaiten franchise agreement, it plans to expand its network and strengthen operational support.
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Kyochon Chicken has signed a strategic business agreement with Arai Shoji. It aims to open in Tokyo in the first half of 2027, then expand into surrounding cities under a franchise model allowing multiple outlets within an agreed territory.
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chocoZAP reached 2,000 gyms in July 2026. Its plan to split new openings equally between company-owned and franchised sites offers insight into how it aims to expand while limiting the burden on head office.
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A new book about mobile used-car buying franchise Happy Cars puts franchisees at the heart of its operating model. It explores the brand’s no-premises, no-stock approach and the franchisor’s role in sharing practical know-how.
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Osouji Kakumei plans to open 25 franchise units across Japan in October 2026, taking its network to 460. Its 50-day training programme and mobile service model support new owners from varied career backgrounds.
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Aqua’s cleaning franchise Builds is expanding its service coverage through partnerships with local franchise owners. Alongside head-office sales support and a conditional revenue guarantee, it is developing an approach that combines cleaning robots with human labour.
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Polaris Holdings launched a master brand on 1 October to unite its hotel portfolio. It is also renaming its loyalty programme, aiming to raise the group’s profile while preserving each brand’s identity.
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Smile Cars, a used-car buying franchise operating without conventional retail premises, has announced four new locations in September 2026. The brand says it aims to expand across Japan and strengthen locally focused support for motorists.
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South Korea’s competition chief has said a lower minimum membership threshold for registering franchisee associations is under consideration. We explain what remains under review, the issues for franchisees and why this should not be confused with a change to Japanese rules.
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Nearly two years after Watami announced its acquisition of Subway’s Japanese business, average monthly sales per store have reached ¥6.3 million. Existing franchisees accounted for 22 of the 37 stores opened in 2025.
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HITOWA, whose activities include franchising, has introduced practical project management training. HR and corporate planning teams joined IT staff as internal cross-department projects increased following the integration of group companies.
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Motsuyaki Ban opened its second franchise in Hachioji on 26 September 2026, moving into a busy commercial district after its first residential-area location. An Omiya opening is planned for late October, with a target of 20 company-owned and franchised locations by summer 2027.
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As at the end of August 2026, funeral services provider TEAR had 230 locations across Japan, including 78 franchises. We look at its franchise network, which includes businesses from other sectors, and the training and support available before and after opening.
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A survey by Web Repo found that extra income was the most common reason for considering a franchise, cited by 48% of respondents. While 93% expressed an intention to use generative AI, respondents preferred consulting people for important checks and decisions.
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Marche has announced a nationwide core menu refresh at Hakkenden from 29 September 2026. With new dishes highlighting charcoal cooking, the initiative offers a useful case study in neighbourhood restaurant operations.
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Mom’s Touch has moved its Japanese office to Shinjuku and opened its sixth outlet in the country. The new restaurant will also train franchise owners and store managers as the brand targets 100 outlets by the end of 2027.
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On 26 September, SweetLeap announced a new ‘Centralised Management of Multiple Locations’ page for Kuchikomi Robo™, alongside expanded bespoke customisation and implementation consultations for chain headquarters and franchise owners.
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The 46th Kanto Store Development Networking Event took place at Taito Hall in Tokyo on 17 September 2026. A seminar on opening restaurants explored how prospective tenants assess premises and how property professionals present suitable options.
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FC Times Japan highlights the expansion of testing services franchise Fastest Labs. The supplied material does not confirm any locations or franchise recruitment in Japan.
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Toyoko Shokusan, which operated convenience store and udon restaurant franchises in Toyoake, Aichi Prefecture, has reportedly been placed in bankruptcy proceedings. Store opening costs and the cost of securing staff were cited as contributing pressures.
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Tsunaguya, a Japanese chain specialising in buying pre-owned valuables, expanded its recruitment support for franchisees in July 2026. Head office now helps with everything from choosing recruitment platforms to keeping in touch with new recruits before they start, aiming to prevent staffing shortages from delaying store openings.
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