Core Insights - The article highlights the growth and cultural integration of Japanese cuisine in Shanghai, particularly in the Changning district, where over 4,000 Japanese restaurants exist, reflecting the city's ongoing openness and historical ties with Japan [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Growth - The number of Japanese restaurants in Shanghai has significantly increased, with approximately 1,500 Japanese-invested enterprises in Changning, accounting for nearly 25% of the district's foreign enterprises [1]. - In the first quarter of this year, Shanghai welcomed 1.743 million inbound tourists, with around 142,000 from Japan, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 60% [1]. Group 2: Cultural Exchange - The establishment of Japanese restaurants in Shanghai began in the early 1990s, with high-end venues being the only places to enjoy Japanese cuisine initially [3]. - The introduction of "all-you-can-eat" formats in the restaurant industry has made Japanese cuisine more accessible to the general public, breaking the stereotype of high costs associated with dining [3]. Group 3: Market Resilience - Despite challenges such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the Japanese restaurant industry in Shanghai has shown resilience, with a notable recovery in business following the easing of travel restrictions and the introduction of visa-free policies for certain countries [6]. - The market for Japanese cuisine has stabilized over the years, with local consumers increasingly embracing it, supported by a growing supply chain for seafood sourced from Chinese waters [7]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The article emphasizes the importance of open policies in sustaining trade relations between China and Japan, suggesting that the resilience of trade ties will continue to support the Japanese restaurant industry in Shanghai [7].