Foreign Franchises that have successfully operated in Japan

GLOBAL ANGLE
2 min readJan 10, 2024

Note: This blog post is created for informational purposes only. GLOBAL ANGLE is an independent entity and is not affiliated with the companies mentioned in this article. The information provided is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute endorsement or representation of these companies by GLOBAL ANGLE. Any views or opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of GLOBAL ANGLE and do not necessarily reflect the views of the mentioned companies.

Overseas expansion can be the ultimate test of adaptability and market savvy for ambitious franchises. In the case of expanding to Japan, its stable economy, loyal customer base, and growing demand for diverse products and services create a fertile ground for foreign brands to flourish. We explore 3 successful foreign franchising in Japan below.

  1. 7-Eleven
    7-Eleven expanded to Japan in 1974, and has grown to roughly 21,000 stores in the country. This franchise that orginated in the United States has significant presence in Japan and is a well recognised convenience store company in the market.
  2. Snap Fitness
    In 2020, it was announced that Snap Fitness would enter the Japan market with 300 locations.
    Snap Fitness is a global fitness franchise, providing innovate fitness services to their customers.
  3. Berlitz
    Berlitz, a leading language education company, is known for its professional and results-driven language instruction, attracting highly motivated clients, including business professionals and adult learners. Berlitz established in Japan on 1980, and has 45 locations currently.

The future of foreign franchising in Japan remains bright, brimming with untapped potential across various sectors. Those who approach the market with a collaborative spirit, a willingness to adapt, and a deep understanding of Japanese preferences stand to unlock an unparalleled opportunity for growth and success in this dynamic and rewarding market.

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