Core Viewpoint - KURA Sushi is gradually closing all its stores in mainland China due to significant losses and inability to compete effectively in a crowded market [4][11]. Group 1: Company Performance - KURA Sushi has accumulated losses exceeding 80 million yuan (approximately 8.19 million) in just two years of operation in mainland China [8]. - The company initially opened three stores in Shanghai but has not expanded further since [9]. - KURA Sushi's first store in Shanghai was met with high consumer interest, but the subsequent performance has been disappointing, leading to the closure of its first store by June 30 [4][7]. Group 2: Consumer Feedback - Consumer reviews on platforms like Dianping highlight issues such as poor taste, limited product variety, and freshness concerns [11]. - Specific complaints include the salmon sashimi having a fishy taste and the menu being too limited [11]. - Despite attempts to adjust pricing, including promotional offers reducing prices to as low as 8 yuan per plate, these efforts have not salvaged the brand's performance [11]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - In contrast to KURA Sushi, other Japanese sushi brands like Sushi郎 and滨寿司 are thriving in the Chinese market, with significant sales growth and expansion plans [12][13]. - Sushi郎 reported a net sales increase of 41.5% in overseas markets, with plans to expand its store count significantly by 2026 [13]. - The success of these brands is attributed to their ability to cater to local tastes and offer a wider variety of dishes at competitive prices [13][17].

Core Viewpoint - KURA Sushi, a major Japanese sushi chain, has announced its exit from the mainland China market after incurring significant losses over two years, totaling approximately 81.9 million yuan [5][7]. Group 1: Company Performance - KURA Sushi opened its first store in mainland China in June 2023, but has since failed to expand beyond three locations in Shanghai [5]. - The company reported a cumulative loss of over 81.9 million yuan during its two-year presence in the mainland market [5]. - Following the closure of its first store, KURA Sushi will only have two remaining locations in Shanghai [4]. Group 2: Market Competition - KURA Sushi attributed its failure to a lack of brand recognition amidst fierce competition in the industry [7]. - In contrast, other Japanese sushi brands like Sushi郎 and滨寿司 are successfully expanding in China, with Sushi郎 reporting a 41.5% increase in net sales in overseas markets [8]. - Sushi郎 plans to increase its store count in Greater China to between 157 and 161 by the fiscal year 2025, and further to 190-193 by 2026 [8]. Group 3: Consumer Feedback - Consumer reviews highlighted several issues with KURA Sushi, including poor taste, limited product variety, and freshness concerns [7]. - KURA Sushi's pricing strategy faced criticism, with its products priced significantly higher than similar offerings in Japan, leading to consumer dissatisfaction [7]. - Despite attempts to lower prices through promotions, KURA Sushi's efforts did not succeed in improving its market position [7].