South Korean fried chicken brand Kyochon Chicken is preparing to enter Japan with its first Tokyo store in 2027, partnering with Japanese food distributor Arai Shoji under a multi-unit franchise model.
Kyochon F&B, the operator of South Korea’s Kyochon Chicken franchise, is set to make its return to Japan, targeting the opening of its first Tokyo store in the first half of 2027.
The company has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Japanese food distribution company Arai Shoji to develop Kyochon Chicken in Japan. The agreement covers the brand’s Japanese market entry and establishes a multi-unit franchise structure, with Arai Shoji expected to develop multiple Kyochon locations as the business expands.
Tokyo will serve as the brand’s entry point, followed by a phased rollout into cities surrounding the capital. Rather than pursuing a single-store franchise strategy, Kyochon is using a multi-unit development model designed to give its Japanese partner responsibility for building a broader network within the market.
The partnership will cover store operations, quality management, marketing and training. Kyochon will provide its franchise know-how and support, while Arai Shoji will contribute its knowledge of the Japanese food and distribution market.
Founded in 1920, Arai Shoji has built its business around food distribution and related services in Japan. The company acquired Korean food importer and distributor Ongane Holdings in 2020 and has continued expanding its presence in the foodservice sector.
For Kyochon, the agreement marks a renewed push into Japan after an earlier attempt to establish the brand in the market. The company is now returning with a partner-led expansion strategy as Korean food continues to gain visibility among Japanese consumers.
Kyochon is known for its double-frying cooking process and signature sauces, including its soy-garlic, red and honey flavours. The brand has built its international business around maintaining its core product identity while allowing local partners to adapt operations and marketing to individual markets.
The Japanese expansion also fits Kyochon’s broader international franchise strategy. The company primarily works with corporate partners for overseas development rather than offering individual franchise opportunities. Its overseas model typically involves master franchise or development partnerships under which local operators are responsible for developing and managing stores in designated territories.
Kyochon’s international expansion began with the United States in 2007 and China in 2008, followed by markets including Indonesia and Malaysia. The brand has since expanded across Asia and into the Middle East and has continued developing its presence in the United States.
As of the first quarter of 2026, Kyochon had 1,367 stores in South Korea and 80 overseas stores. Its international network included 35 stores in Malaysia, 18 in China and three in the United States, alongside operations in other markets through its overseas partners.
The company’s overseas business combines directly operated markets with master franchise territories. Kyochon has used local partners in markets including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Middle East and Taiwan, allowing the company to expand internationally while relying on local operators for market development and day-to-day operations.
Japan is now being positioned as another market for this partner-led approach. The first Tokyo store is expected to provide the initial platform for Kyochon’s Japanese network, with further openings planned based on the performance of the first location and market response.
