Kura Sushi Inc. (Headquarters: Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture), one of the world’s most renowned conveyor-belt sushi chains, is set to unveil its largest and most sustainable restaurant yet at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. This landmark location, known as the Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store, will open on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the Future Life Zone of the Expo, showcasing cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly initiatives.
A Landmark Store with Record-Breaking Features
The Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store will be the largest in the company’s history, offering 338 seats—more than any other Kura Sushi restaurant. It will also feature the longest revolving sushi belt, stretching approximately 135 meters. The restaurant’s exterior design pays homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics with namako walls, reminiscent of the company’s iconic storehouse. A striking feature at the entrance is a large image of tuna nigiri housed within the signature “Antibacterial Sushi Cover Mr. Freshness,” which helps protect sushi from airborne contaminants.
Inside, the restaurant boasts a luxurious and modern Japanese design. Wood-grained tables, tatami-style seating, and a bold graphic depiction of a giant plate on the ceiling create an immersive dining experience. The design elements merge tradition with innovation, ensuring guests enjoy an authentic yet forward-thinking sushi experience.
Commitment to Sustainability
Kura Sushi is taking significant steps toward sustainability with this new store. The exterior walls are crafted from “plaster without artificial substances,” repurposing 336,000 discarded seashells combined with seaweed-based adhesives. This eco-friendly material reduces environmental impact while maintaining a traditional Japanese aesthetic.
The restaurant further incorporates sustainability through its signage and fixtures. Pictograms at cash registers and restrooms are made from approximately 100 kg of recycled plastic bottle caps and polyethylene tanks. By repurposing these materials instead of incinerating them, Kura Sushi significantly cuts CO2 emissions. Additionally, roughly 15 kg of recycled fishing equipment—such as ropes, buoys, and baskets—has been used to create seat numbers and the logo sign in the wind shelter. The waiting area benches are crafted from domestically thinned cedar trees, promoting responsible forestry practices.
A major highlight is the integration of environmentally friendly takeaway materials. The “Bikkura Pon®” capsules, a signature giveaway item, are now made using PIM (Pulp Injection Molding) technology. These biodegradable paper capsules decompose in soil within six months and are non-toxic when incinerated. Takeout containers incorporate coconut palm frond residues, a byproduct of palm oil production, which helps reduce methane emissions and CO2 output. Even the paper bags provided for takeout are composed of 100% recycled paper.
Technological Advancements in Hygiene and Service
Kura Sushi has long been at the forefront of integrating technology into its dining experience, and this Expo store is no exception. The restaurant features an advanced system that enhances hygiene and quality control through AI and ICT technologies. These innovations ensure that sushi remains fresh and safe while improving operational efficiency.
As the only major conveyor-belt sushi chain to serve sushi via conveyor belt at all its locations, Kura Sushi continues to refine this unique dining experience. The Osaka Kansai Expo Store will exemplify the brand’s commitment to maintaining the highest quality while embracing new technologies.
Sustainable and International Menu Offerings
In addition to its standard sushi menu, the Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store will introduce a range of sustainable seafood options. These include low-use fish such as nizadai, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible fishing practices. The store will also offer an exclusive 70-course menu featuring dishes inspired by 70 different countries and regions.
To develop this special menu, Kura Sushi collaborated with ambassadors to Japan and culinary experts from various nations. These individuals provided insights and feedback to ensure authenticity. The menu includes traditional flavors from around the world, offering Expo visitors a unique opportunity to explore global cuisine through sushi-inspired interpretations.
Special Features Reflecting Expo Themes
The Expo store incorporates thematic design elements that align with the Osaka/Kansai Expo’s vision. A standout feature is a special edition of the “Antibacterial Sushi Cover Mr. Freshness.” This design symbolizes global unity, with red and blue hands—representing the Expo’s official colors—shaking hands to form a seamless connection. The covers showcase international dishes on one side and sushi creations on the other, visually emphasizing the concept of a revolving belt that brings the world together.
A Global Message from Kura Sushi
At a press conference, Hiroyuki Okamoto, Director and General Manager of Public Relations, Advertising, and Investor Relations Division, emphasized the company’s mission: “We are the only major conveyor-belt sushi chain to serve sushi from our conveyor belts at all of our restaurants. Our concept is to provide a place where visitors from all over the world can have an enjoyable dining experience filled with smiles. We will also introduce to the world a ‘next-generation restaurant model’ that combines sustainable elements with cutting-edge technology and bring the revolving sushi culture that originated in Japan to as many people as possible.”
Kura Sushi’s Expanding Global Presence
As of February 2025, Kura Sushi Inc. operates 546 restaurants in Japan, 73 in the United States, 59 in Taiwan, and 3 in Shanghai. The Osaka Kansai Expo Store represents an important milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and innovation efforts.
Key Takeaways: Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store
- Largest Kura Sushi restaurant ever, with 338 seats and a 135-meter revolving belt.
- Sustainable design, featuring recycled seashell walls and repurposed plastic materials.
- Innovative eco-friendly initiatives, including biodegradable takeaway containers and paper-based capsules.
- AI-driven technology enhancing hygiene and quality control.
- Exclusive menu featuring sustainable seafood and international dishes from 70 countries.
- Special Expo-themed sushi cover, symbolizing global unity and cultural exchange.
With its pioneering blend of sustainability, technology, and culinary excellence, the Kura Sushi Osaka Kansai Expo Store is set to be a highlight of the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. It embodies the future of dining—where innovation meets tradition, and where environmental responsibility aligns with culinary delight.
