{
  "id": 12278813,
  "title": "Kyochon Chicken Plans First Tokyo Store",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/kyochon-chicken-plans-first-tokyo-store",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:18:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BusinessKorea",
    "slug": "businesskorea",
    "url": "https://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=278248"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kyochon Chicken is set to open its initial store in Tokyo, Japan, during the first half of next year, marking its intention to penetrate the Japanese market. This expansion plan was solidified on September 29, when Kyochon F&B, the operator of Kyochon Chicken, signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese firm Arai Shoji. Both companies agreed to collaborate extensively, covering areas such as quality assurance, marketing, and operational training.\n\nThe primary strategy for Kyochon's Japanese market entry is the multi-unit franchise model. This system permits the right to run multiple outlets within a particular region. Kyochon F&B has plans to gradually extend its store count to surrounding cities, beginning with its first Tokyo location. The Japanese partner, Arai Shoji, is a well-established company dating back to 1920, renowned for its expertise in auction and food distribution. Notably, Arai Shoji acquired and operates Ongane Holdings, a firm specialized in the import and distribution of Korean food, in 2020. This acquisition highlights Arai Shoji's profound understanding of Korean food culture.\n\nApart from Japan, Kyochon F&B is also expanding its presence in China. Following the opening of its first store in Shenzhen in February 2025, the company recently inaugurated a second outlet in Wuxi, situated in a shopping mall near Lake Tai in Jiangsu Province.",
  "summary": "Kyochon Chicken will plant its first flag in Tokyo, Japan, in the first half of next year, embarking on its strategy to target the Japanese market.Kyochon F&B, the operator of Kyochon Chicken, announced on Oct. 6 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese company Arai Shoji,",
  "key_points": [
    "Kyochon Chicken to open first Tokyo store in early 2026",
    "Kyochon F&B signs MOU with Japanese firm Arai Shoji",
    "Multi-unit franchise model to expand to other Japanese cities"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kyochon Chicken's Tokyo store plan signals a strategic push into Japan, leveraging a local partner's expertise in food distribution and Korean food culture to fuel multi-unit franchise growth.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}