This article introduces recently IPO-listed companies in Japan while highlighting key challenges, business opportunities, industry trends, and unique business models in the Japanese market.
Hikari Food Service Inc., headquartered in Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, operates a unique “Tachinomi × Small-Sized Store Model,” specializing in affordable standing bars. The company manages well-known brands such as “Tachinomi Yakiton Daikoku” and “Tachinomi Uotsubaki,” offering high-quality yakitori, tempura, and seafood in compact, efficiently run establishments.
As Japan’s work culture evolves and demand for quick, social, and cost-effective dining grows, the company’s standing bar model has gained traction. By strategically clustering stores in high-foot-traffic areas near major stations, Hikari Food Service maximizes operational efficiency and encourages repeat visits and bar-hopping behaviors. Its central kitchen system further streamlines quality control and cost management.
In 2024, the company achieved record-high sales, significantly surpassing expectations. With a strong pipeline of new store openings and an expanding nationwide presence, continued growth is projected for 2025. Following its Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market and Nagoya Stock Exchange Next Market listing in February 2024, Hikari Food Service is well-positioned to lead the next wave of standing bar culture and aims to scale to 600 stores in the long term.
| Company Name | Hikari Food Service Co. |
| Headquarters | 1-10-6 Noritake, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture |
| Website | https://hikari-food-service.jp/ |
| Year of Establishment | 2009/12/1 |
| Listing Date | 2024/2/28 |
| Industry | Retail |
| Business Overview | Development of restaurants with a focus on tachinomi-izakaya (standing drinking pubs) |
| Representative (CEO) | Mitsunori Otani |
| Number of Employees | 150 (as of 2023/12/31) |
| Stock Exchange | Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth |
| Auditor | Gyosei |
| Lead Underwriter | Tokai Tokyo Securities |
| Market capitalization (at opening price) | 5,803 million yen |
| PER (at opening price) | 62.52 |
| Major shareholders (Top 3) | •M Company Co. Ltd.(62.50%) •Mitsunori Otani(26.79%) •Shota Nakajima(8.93%) |
This document has been prepared based on information available at the time of the research. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or correctness of the information provided. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own verification and due diligence before making any decisions.
Source: Tokyo IPO, Official Website, Yahoo! Finance
