- Share via
Founded in 1982 by the father of President & CEO Kenji Oizumi, the company’s journey began in food retail before shifting its focus to the restaurant industry. The move into izakaya-style dining during the 1990s proved transformative, creating the platform for decades of expansion and diversification.
After joining the family business, Oizumi helped accelerate the growth of its original restaurant concept, Kuimonoya Wan. The brand became the company’s first major growth engine, expanding to approximately 100 stores over about eight years and establishing the operational foundation for the next stage of development.
That success later paved the way for a multi-brand strategy. Building on the discipline and experience gained through Kuimonoya Wan, Oizumi diversified into a wider portfolio of restaurant concepts spanning Japanese, Italian, Chinese and American-style dining. Today, the company operates more than 320 restaurants across Japan and manages around 50 brands.
Quality Without Compromise
Rapid growth has never come at the expense of quality. The company’s identity is built on maintaining direct control over its operations, from ingredient sourcing to food preparation and service standards.
“Attention to every single detail” remains the defining principle behind the business, said Oizumi. That commitment extends throughout the supply chain, including close relationships with producers and strict oversight of the products served to customers.
The emphasis on quality explains why the company has approached franchising cautiously. Maintaining consistency across hundreds of locations requires rigorous operational discipline and a culture that prioritises craftsmanship over convenience. For Oizumi, the dining experience begins long before food reaches the table.
“Quality starts with the ingredients,” Oizumi said, highlighting the contribution of Japanese farmers, fisheries and producers whose dedication underpins the country’s reputation for culinary excellence.
Looking Beyond Japan
As Japan faces labour shortages and demographic challenges, international expansion has become an increasingly important part of the company’s long-term strategy. Oizumi has already established a presence in Vietnam and sees overseas markets as a natural next step in its development.
The company is actively seeking partners who share its commitment to quality and sustainable growth. Joint ventures, strategic alliances, franchising opportunities and acquisitions all remain on the table, provided they are built on trust and aligned objectives.
“Expansion overseas becomes a natural flow,” Oizumi said. “It is important to have a loyal and trustworthy partner rather than trying to manage everything from a distance.”
That philosophy reflects a broader confidence in Japanese business culture. Precision, consistency and devotion to quality have helped make Japanese hospitality admired worldwide, and Oizumi believes those values provide a strong foundation for international collaboration.
With more than four decades of experience, a portfolio of recognised brands and a clear ambition to grow beyond Japan, Oizumi is entering its next chapter from a position of strength. As global consumers increasingly seek authentic dining experiences, the company is looking to export not only restaurant concepts but also the quality-driven philosophy that has fuelled its success for over 40 years.
