Bringing Global Flavors to Japan’s Iconic Sushi Chain
Kura Sushi Inc., one of the world’s most renowned conveyor-belt sushi chains, has announced its exciting plans for the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, set to open on April 13, 2025. The company will offer an exclusive menu featuring 70 new dishes that represent the diverse culinary traditions of the 70 countries and regions participating in the Expo. The special menu items, developed by Kura Sushi’s product development team, will bring together flavours from across the globe, giving visitors a unique and immersive dining experience.
A World of Culinary Diversity
The “Hands・Hands Project” is designed to celebrate the rich culinary cultures of the world, with each dish offering an authentic taste of the participating countries. Kura Sushi has collaborated with embassies and local experts to ensure the accuracy of the flavours, with 24 of the dishes specially curated with input from ambassadors. From savoury sushi to delightful regional dishes, guests will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of international cuisines, all served on Kura Sushi’s signature conveyor belts.
Introducing the Largest Kura Sushi Restaurant
The new restaurant at the Osaka-Kansai Expo will be a record-setting venue, featuring 338 seats, the most in Kura Sushi’s history. The restaurant will boast a revolving belt stretching 135 metres long, setting a new milestone for the company. With its theme of “Revolving Belts Unite the World,” this flagship location will serve as a dining hub for global visitors, creating a unique experience where sushi and world cuisines flow side by side.
Special Antibacterial Sushi Covers: A Touch of Expo Design
To add a touch of Expo-specific flair, Kura Sushi will use their antibacterial sushi covers, “Mr. Freshness,” designed with the Expo’s signature red and blue colours. This thoughtful design adds an extra layer of hygiene and a visual representation of the Expo’s theme of unity.
Previewing the Menu Across Japan
Before the Expo officially opens, Kura Sushi will roll out a selection of these special dishes at over 550 of its restaurants across Japan, starting on February 7, 2025. Each restaurant will feature one of the 70 items, allowing customers to experience the flavours of different countries, even before the Expo begins. As a fun twist, each Kura Sushi location will serve a unique dish from a different country, turning every restaurant into a “mini-pavilion” for the Expo.
A Rich History and a Bright Future
Kura Sushi’s innovative business model, which began with the introduction of conveyor-belt sushi at the Osaka Expo in 1970, has since revolutionized Japan’s food service industry. With over 800 billion yen in sales and over 700 locations worldwide, Kura Sushi continues to expand its presence globally. Executive Vice President Mr. Makoto Tanaka shared his excitement about the event, stating, “We hope that our conveyor-belt sushi will bring smiles to people’s faces and unite the world, just as it has done for decades.”
Kura Sushi’s commitment to global flavours and dining experiences continues to thrive as it prepares to bring the world’s finest cuisines to the Expo and beyond.
