Choshimaru

Basic Information

Stock Code
3075
Industry
Retail
Category Detail
Restaurants
Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture
Establishment Year
November 1977
Listing Year
March 2007
Official Website
https://www.choushimaru.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Uoki, Kura Sushi, Karla, Yoshix, FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES, Atom, Kappa Create, Uoriki, Friendly, Genki Global Dining Concepts, KOZO Holdings

Overview

Choshimaru is a gourmet conveyor-belt sushi chain founded in 1977, primarily operating in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and is a leading company providing high-quality fresh sushi.

Current Situation

Choshimaru recorded net sales of approximately 17 billion yen and net profit of approximately 1 billion yen in the fiscal year ending May 2022, establishing a stable revenue base. It operates multiple directly managed stores mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area, offering high-quality conveyor-belt sushi under the 'Sushi Choshimaru' brand. In recent years, it has eliminated conveyor belt delivery to address food waste and disruptive behavior prevention, introducing a full order system via touch panels. In 2024, it plans to expand into California, USA, through a joint venture with Royal Holdings and Sojitz, advancing growth strategies with overseas expansion in mind. Regarding food safety, it has experienced food poisoning incidents in the past but is strengthening hygiene management. In capital policy, major shareholders include the founding family and major securities firms. Moving forward, it aims to enhance technology introduction and sustainability efforts to improve customer satisfaction in the increasingly competitive food service market. It also emphasizes social contributions, focusing on community engagement and sustainable business operations.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Originally a composite of toy store and restaurant business at founding
  • Company name derived from freshness of Choshi Port and 'maru' from ships
  • Implemented industry-unusual reform of eliminating conveyor rails in 2023
  • Established joint venture with Royal HD and Sojitz for US market entry
  • Experienced multiple food poisoning incidents in past, strengthened hygiene
  • Seasonal 'Explosive Platter Sushi' product gained buzz but renamed due to trademark issue
  • Featured on TV Tokyo 'Cambria Palace' as No.1 in customer satisfaction
  • Established employee stock ownership plan to boost employee awareness
  • Full store introduction of touch panel ordering was pioneering in industry
  • First takeout sushi store opened in Chiba Prefecture in 1979
  • Strength in regionally limited seafood procurement
  • Representative from founding family brings stability to management
  • Expanding sales channels via online mail order and EC
  • Multiple securities firms listed as major shareholders
  • Store expansion beyond local Chiba to Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa

Hidden Connections

  • Founding Horiguchi family has deep ties to local fisheries
  • Strengthened food service industry collaboration via capital tie-up with Royal Holdings
  • Maintains close contact with Japan's food safety administration and health centers for hygiene management
  • Includes overseas securities firms as major shareholders, holding global capital ties
  • Early adoption of proprietary touch panel system differentiates in conveyor belt sushi industry
  • Food waste reduction and hygiene measures aligned with government SDGs policies
  • Emphasizes menu development and operations leveraging regional characteristics per store
  • Promotes employee management participation through in-house stock ownership

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding gourmet conveyor belt sushi market
  • New revenue from overseas business
  • Productivity improvements via IT like touch panel ordering
  • Menu development responding to diversifying customer preferences
  • Strengthening food waste reduction and sustainability
  • Deepening community-focused marketing
  • Expansion of digital sales channels and delivery services
  • Investment in education and training to resolve labor shortages
  • Customer base expansion through health-conscious product development
  • Further strengthening of food safety management
  • Stable revenue base via diversified B2B expansion
  • Enhancement of corporate brand value and recognition

Strategic Goals

  • Secure stable revenue from overseas markets
  • Complete shift to full order system in all stores
  • Achieve over 50% food waste reduction rate
  • Maintain and improve employee satisfaction over 80%
  • Expand adoption of sustainable fishery resources
  • Raise online sales to over 30% of total revenue
  • Achieve 1 billion yen annual sales from new health menus
  • Achieve zero food poisoning and hygiene incidents
  • Participate in over 100 regional contribution activities annually
  • Maintain No.1 customer satisfaction in industry

Business Segments

Ingredients Wholesale to Restaurants

Overview
Wholesale business stably supplying fresh, high-quality sushi ingredients to restaurants.
Competitiveness
Rapid delivery network rooted in the Tokyo metropolitan area and rigorous procurement system.
Customers
  • Conveyor belt sushi chains
  • Japanese restaurants
  • Sushi specialty stores
  • Izakaya
  • Hotel restaurants
  • Department store delis
  • Catering companies
Products
  • Bluefin tuna
  • Salmon
  • Shellfish
  • Shrimp
  • Conger eel
  • Ikura
  • Bulk fresh fish procurement
  • Frozen fish
  • Sushi toppings
  • Seaweed
  • Processed ingredients

Supplies for Takeout Sushi

Overview
Providing packaging materials and fresh fish for takeout sushi stores.
Competitiveness
Established strict management system to maintain quality.
Customers
  • Supermarket deli sections
  • Convenience stores
  • Department stores
  • Food service chains
Products
  • Sushi packs
  • Seasonings
  • Insulated containers
  • Takeout-exclusive toppings

OEM Sushi Toppings and Processed Products Manufacturing

Overview
Providing OEM production services for high-quality sushi sashimi and processed products.
Competitiveness
Superior ingredient selection and processing technology with detailed customization.
Customers
  • Other sushi chains
  • Food processors
  • Major supermarkets
  • Mail-order businesses
Products
  • Sushi sashimi processed products
  • Pre-cooked toppings
  • Frozen sushi toppings
  • Prepared food processed products

IT Systems for Restaurants

Overview
Developing and providing order management systems for sushi restaurants.
Competitiveness
Operational support system leveraging implementation track record.
Customers
  • Small and medium restaurants
  • Takeout sushi shops
  • Conveyor belt sushi operators
Products
  • Touch panel ordering system
  • Order management software
  • Customer management system

Seafood Exports to Overseas Markets

Overview
Expanding export business of premium sushi toppings mainly to North American markets.
Competitiveness
Compliance with strict international standards for quality and freshness management.
Customers
  • Overseas restaurant chains
  • Japanese restaurants
  • Food importers
Products
  • Sushi topping exports
  • Frozen fish processed products
  • Premium tuna

Logistics and Delivery Services

Overview
Providing safe and rapid delivery services for fresh fish and sushi ingredients.
Competitiveness
Proprietary low-temperature logistics network.
Customers
  • Own stores
  • External retailers
  • Food wholesalers
Products
  • Fresh fish dedicated logistics
  • Frozen product transport
  • Same-day delivery service

Store Operation Consulting

Overview
Consulting services leveraging store operation know-how.
Competitiveness
Practical support content derived from actual store operations.
Customers
  • New entrants to food service
  • Existing sushi shops
  • Franchise expansion companies
Products
  • Store operation guidance
  • Quality control training
  • Menu development support

Ingredient Processing Technology Development

Overview
Technology development for maintaining ingredient freshness and advanced processing.
Competitiveness
Industry-leading hygiene management technology.
Customers
  • Food service chains
  • Food processing companies
  • Research institutions
Products
  • Freshness preservation technology
  • Freezing technology
  • Processed food manufacturing technology

Food Safety Management System Provision

Overview
Providing and supporting management systems to ensure food safety.
Competitiveness
Reliability backed by extensive food poisoning response experience.
Customers
  • Restaurant operators
  • Food manufacturers
  • Wholesalers
Products
  • HACCP management system
  • Infection prevention manual
  • Regular audit service

Marketing Support

Overview
Marketing support specialized in market analysis and sales promotion planning.
Competitiveness
Strength in community-focused campaign operations.
Customers
  • Sushi chains
  • Dining brands
  • Local stores
Products
  • Customer analysis
  • Promotion planning
  • Event operations

Training and Talent Development

Overview
Providing training programs to improve employee skills.
Competitiveness
Practical content based on on-site experience.
Customers
  • Store staff
  • Distribution employees
  • Management candidates
Products
  • Customer service training
  • Hygiene management training
  • Leadership training

Equipment Sales and Maintenance

Overview
Sales and maintenance of necessary equipment for stores and logistics.
Competitiveness
Rapid response and reliable maintenance.
Customers
  • Store operators
  • Food processing facilities
  • Logistics centers
Products
  • Refrigeration and freezing equipment
  • Cooking utensils
  • Maintenance services

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • High-quality sushi topping procurement capability
  • Stable store network centered in Tokyo metropolitan area
  • Proactive food waste reduction
  • High customer satisfaction customer service
  • Rapid introduction of touch panel ordering system
  • Strong capital base and founding family support
  • Strengthened food safety and hygiene management
  • Diverse menu development capability
  • Community-focused marketing strength
  • Strategic partnerships for recent overseas expansion

Competitive Advantages

  • Maintains customer convenience post-conveyor elimination through technological innovation
  • Built reliable ingredient supply network centered in Chiba Prefecture
  • Expansion of multifaceted sales channels and online services
  • Quality management and service quality supporting high repeat rate
  • US market entry via joint venture and capital alliances with various parties
  • Differentiation through regional seasonal products and health-conscious items
  • High employee retention and enriched training system
  • Revenue base expansion through diversified B2B operations
  • Early implementation of anti-disruptive measures compared to peers
  • Strong brand image and rich history

Threats

  • Risk of brand image decline due to food hygiene incidents
  • Intense price competition in conveyor belt sushi market
  • Raw material price fluctuations and supply instability
  • Risk of service degradation due to labor shortages in food service
  • Competitor new store openings and service innovations
  • Need to address consumer health trends and dietary diversification
  • Cultural and regulatory risks in new overseas markets
  • Potential impact from natural disasters on logistics and store operations
  • Increasing societal demands for food waste reduction
  • Competitive decline from delayed digitalization

Innovations

2023: Eliminated Conveyor Rails, Introduced Full Order System

Overview
Improved ordering method across all stores for anti-disruption and food waste reduction.
Impact
Improved customer satisfaction and efficiency. Reduced food waste.

2024: Established Joint Venture Company in California, USA

Overview
Initiated overseas expansion in collaboration with Royal HD and Sojitz.
Impact
Business growth and brand expansion through new market development.

2021: Completed Touch Panel Ordering System Introduction in All Stores

Overview
Enhanced ordering operability and customer convenience in conveyor belt sushi.
Impact
Achieved reduced ordering errors and faster service.

2022: Launched Food Waste Reduction Campaign

Overview
Effectively utilized surplus ingredients to reduce environmental impact and costs.
Impact
Contributed to improved social evaluation and cost reduction.

2023: Strengthened Hygiene Management Information System

Overview
Introduced employee training and monitoring for food poisoning prevention.
Impact
Reduced risk of business suspension and improved customer reassurance.

2024: Expanded Online Ordering and Delivery Services

Overview
Strengthened web-based takeout orders and delivery network.
Impact
Achieved sales growth and tapped new customer segments.

Sustainability

  • Order efficiency improvements for food waste reduction
  • Thorough waste sorting and resource recycling at stores
  • Environmental conservation activities in collaboration with local communities
  • Promotion of ingredients from sustainable fisheries
  • Eco-education programs for employees
  • Consideration of renewable energy introduction
  • Enhanced food safety and infection prevention measures
  • Plastic reduction and biodegradable container trials
  • Promotion of priority use of local ingredients
  • Introduction of energy-saving equipment in stores