[Edaily Reporter kim mi-kyung ] Kyochon Chicken is entering the Japanese market. The company plans to partner with local food distribution firm “Arai Shoji” to develop Japan into a new growth engine for its global business.

KYOCHON FOOD&BEVERAGE(339770)The company announced on the 6th that it signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Japanese firm Arai Shoji on the 29th of last month at its Pangyo headquarters to enter the Japanese market.

Through this agreement, the two companies have agreed to cooperate across all areas—including quality control, marketing, and operational training—to ensure the stable expansion of Kyochon Chicken’s business in Japan. Kyochon plans to maintain consistent product taste and quality in Japan through collaboration with its local partner and expand its reach among local consumers.

Founded in 1920, Arai Trading Co., Ltd. has grown by focusing primarily on auction and food distribution businesses. In 2020, the company acquired and began operating Ongane Holdings, a South Korean food import and distribution firm, and has since expanded its business scope to include the foodservice industry, such as by launching a Belgian waffle specialty shop in 2024.

Based on its partnership with Arai Corporation, Kyochon aims to open its first store in Japan in the first half of 2027. The first store will open in Tokyo, followed by a phased expansion into surrounding cities. The local business will operate under a multi-unit franchise model. This model grants the right to open multiple stores within a contracted area, enabling rapid expansion.

A representative from KYOCHON FOOD&BEVERAGE stated, “By partnering with Arai Shōji, which possesses a local distribution network in Japan and an understanding of Korean food, we have laid the groundwork for our entry into the Japanese market,” adding, “We will introduce the unique taste and quality of Kyochon Chicken to the local market and develop Japan into a new growth engine for our global business.”