Kura Sushi Unveils Next-Generation Restaurant at Osaka-Kansai Expo, Combining Sustainability and Cutting-Edge Technology
Next-Gen Kura Sushi a leading global conveyor-belt sushi chain headquartered in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, has announced the opening of its largest-ever Kura Sushi restaurant. This groundbreaking location, emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation, will open on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the Future Life Zone of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
A Landmark in Conveyor-Belt Sushi
The new Next-Gen Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store marks a significant milestone for the brand, offering a record-breaking 338 seats—the most in the history of Kura Sushi. The restaurant also boasts the longest conveyor belt ever built by the company, stretching approximately 135 meters. This massive installation is designed to serve large numbers of visitors while maintaining the chain’s hallmark efficiency and quality.
The exterior design of the Next-Gen restaurant reflects a minimalist aesthetic with a contemporary take on Kura Sushi’s signature namako walls, reminiscent of traditional Japanese storehouses. A striking visual centerpiece is the large image of a tuna nigiri, encased within the brand’s well-known “Antibacterial Sushi Cover Mr. Freshness.” This feature ensures sushi remains protected from airborne contaminants and maintains optimal freshness for diners.
Inside, the restaurant exudes modern Japanese luxury, incorporating wood-grained tables and seating with tatami-style surfaces. A visually stunning element is the bold graphic of a giant sushi plate adorning the ceiling, creating an immersive dining experience that blends tradition with modernity.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Next-Gen Kura Sushi’s dedication to sustainability is evident throughout the restaurant’s design and operations. The exterior walls are constructed using a unique “plaster without artificial substances,” incorporating 336,000 repurposed seashells that would otherwise be discarded. This innovative approach reduces waste while maintaining the restaurant’s aesthetic integrity.
Additionally, the restaurant employs environmentally friendly materials across various design elements:
- Recycled plastics: Around 100 kg of discarded plastic bottle caps and milky-white polyethylene tanks have been repurposed for pictograms at cash registers and restrooms, significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to traditional incineration methods.
- Reclaimed fishing equipment: The seat numbers and logo signage in the wind shelter incorporate approximately 15 kg of recycled ropes, buoys, and baskets from the fishing industry.
- Sustainable seating: Benches in the waiting area are crafted from domestically sourced cedar trees that have been thinned as part of forest conservation efforts.
These eco-conscious initiatives align with the company’s broader mission to contribute to global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing waste, repurposing materials, and minimizing its carbon footprint.
Technology-Enhanced Dining Experience
Next-Gen Kura Sushi has long been at the forefront of innovation in the conveyor-belt sushi industry, and the Osaka Kansai Expo Store is no exception. The restaurant integrates advanced AI and ICT technologies to optimize food hygiene, quality control, and customer experience. This system enhances efficiency while maintaining the unique “served by conveyor belt” approach that defines Kura Sushi’s brand identity.
A Menu with a Mission: Sustainability and Global Cuisine
Beyond its physical infrastructure, the restaurant’s menu reflects a commitment to sustainability and global culinary exchange. In an effort to promote responsible seafood consumption, Next-Gen Kura Sushi incorporates low-use fish species, Next-Gen such as nizadai, into its offerings. This initiative supports sustainable fisheries and helps reduce strain on overfished species.
Additionally, the restaurant will feature an exclusive 70-dish menu inspired by 70 different countries and regions. These dishes have been carefully developed with input from ambassadors and culinary experts to ensure authenticity. This initiative not only showcases Japan’s appreciation for global flavors but also fosters cultural exchange through cuisine.
Highlighted sustainable menu items include:
- Cabbage Nizadai: A unique dish using underutilized fish species.
- Organic Hamachi: Responsibly farmed yellowtail, sourced using eco-friendly aquaculture practices.
- Healthy Roll (Shrimp Mayo): Made with ‘Vegito,’ a vegetable sheet derived from non-standard carrots, reducing food waste while providing a nutritious alternative to traditional sushi wrappers.
Eco-Friendly Packaging and Take-Out Solutions
In line with its sustainability efforts, Kura Sushi has introduced environmentally friendly packaging solutions at the Expo store:
- “Bikkura Pon!®” Capsules: Made from PIM (Pulp Injection Molding) technology, these paper capsules are crafted from starch and pulp. They are recyclable, decompose within six months in soil, and do not release harmful emissions when incinerated.
- Take-Out Containers: Produced using coconut palm frond residues, a byproduct of palm oil manufacturing. This reduces both CO2 emissions during disposal and methane emissions from decomposition.
- Recycled Paper Bags: Made from 100% recycled paper (excluding the handle), further minimizing waste.
An engaging feature for customers is the addition of a “fortune” printed inside each take-out container, adding an element of fun and interactivity to the dining experience.
An Immersive Cultural and Culinary Showcase
To enhance the Expo experience, Next-Gen Kura Sushi has reimagined its signature Antibacterial Sushi Cover Mr. Freshness with a special edition design that embodies the concept “The revolving belt brings the world together.” This version features a handshake motif in red and blue, representing international unity at the Expo. The front cover highlights various global dishes, while the back cover showcases sushi selections, symbolizing a seamless blend of Japanese tradition with international flavors.
A Bold Vision for the Future of Dining
At the official announcement, Hiroyuki Okamoto, Director and General Manager of Public Relations, Advertising, and Investor Relations at Kura Sushi, expressed enthusiasm for the Expo store’s role in shaping the future of the restaurant industry.
“We are the only major conveyor-belt sushi chain to serve sushi directly from our revolving belts at all of our restaurants. Our concept is to provide a space where visitors from around the world can enjoy a memorable dining experience filled with smiles. We are proud to introduce a ‘next-generation restaurant model’ that combines sustainability with cutting-edge technology, showcasing Japan’s revolving sushi culture to the world.”
Global Expansion and Market Presence
As of February 2025, Kura Sushi Inc. operates a total of 681 locations worldwide, including:
- 546 in Japan
- 73 in the United States
- 59 in Taiwan
- 3 in Shanghai
The company’s continued expansion underscores its commitment to bringing high-quality, sustainable, and technologically advanced sushi experiences to customers across the globe.
A Model for the Future of Dining
With its groundbreaking Osaka Kansai Expo Store, Kura Sushi is redefining the future of conveyor-belt sushi by seamlessly integrating sustainability, technological innovation, and a celebration of global cuisine. This next-generation restaurant serves as both a culinary destination and an inspiration for the food industry, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible and forward-thinking dining experiences.
As Kura Sushi continues to innovate and expand, the Expo store stands as a testament to the company’s vision: delivering delicious sushi while preserving the environment and embracing the global community.
