Kyochon to Enter Japanese Market: Aims to Open First Tokyo Store in First Half of Next Year

Strategic Partnership with Local Food Distributor "Arai Shoji"

Aiming to Expand from First Store in Tokyo to Nearby Cities

Collaboration in Quality Control, Marketing, and Training

Kyochon F&B, the operator of Kyochon Chicken, announced on October 6 that it had signed a strategic business agreement (MOU) with the local Japanese company 'Arai Shoji' to enter the Japanese market.

Song Jonghwa, CEO of Kyochon F&B (left), and Arai Rojo, General Manager of Arai Corporation, are taking a commemorative photo at the business agreement ceremony held at Kyochon F&B Pangyo headquarters on the 29th of last month. Provided by Kyochon F&B

Arai Shoji has grown as a company focused on auction and food distribution businesses since its establishment in 1920. In 2020, it acquired and began operating Ongane Holdings, a company specializing in the import and distribution of Korean food. In 2024, it further diversified into the foodservice industry by launching a Belgian waffle specialty store. Based on this agreement with Arai Shoji, Kyochon plans to begin its entry into the local market in earnest, aiming to open its first store in Japan in Tokyo in the first half of next year and to expand stores in surrounding cities.

The two companies have agreed to establish a close partnership in various areas—including quality control, marketing, and operations training—to ensure Kyochon’s stable business development in the Japanese market. The local openings will utilize a multi-unit franchise model. According to the company, this model, which grants rights to operate multiple stores within a designated area, enables stable store expansion.

A Kyochon F&B representative stated, “Through this agreement, we will lay a foundation for entering the Japanese market together with our partner Arai Shoji, which has a local distribution network and a deep understanding of Korean food. By leveraging our partnership, we aim to introduce Kyochon Chicken’s unique taste and quality to Japanese consumers and develop Japan as a new growth axis for Kyochon’s global business.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.