April 11, 2025
Kura Sushi’s Giant Expo Store Opens April 13—Here’s What to Expect
A 135-meter conveyor belt, sustainable design and sushi with a global twist
By Metropolis
Conveyor belt sushi is getting a futuristic upgrade—and it’s happening where the trend first took off.
Kura Sushi’s Osaka-Kansai Expo Store opens this April inside the Future Life Zone, and it’s shaping up to be more than just a place to grab toro. With 338 seats and the longest conveyor belt in the company’s history (135 meters!), it’s not just big. It’s bold. It’s sustainable. And it’s built to start conversations—about food, culture and what the future of dining might look like.
From 1970 to 2025: Coming Full Circle
Back in 1970, conveyor belt sushi caught global attention at the original Osaka Expo. It was a novelty then—plates spinning past on a loop, delivering food like clockwork.
Now, 55 years later, Kura Sushi is bringing things full circle. But this time, it’s not just about spectacle. It’s about connection. The store’s concept—“The Revolving Belt Unites the World”—is more than a slogan. It’s a guiding principle.
That long belt is serving up dishes that bridge cultures, showcase lesser-known ingredients and challenge wasteful food norms. One seat might serve a classic anago (saltwater eel), the next a sustainably sourced spin on ceviche. It’s a menu that speaks to Japan’s traditions while nodding to global flavors—and future needs.
Eco-Friendly, Not Just Trendy
The store’s design leans heavily into sustainability. Exterior walls are made with recycled seashells, the finishes use natural plaster and repurposed plastics show up throughout the interior. It’s subtle, but the materials tell their own story––one about minimizing impact without sacrificing atmosphere.
It feels light and intentional—like walking into a place that respects where its resources come from. That same approach extends to the food, too. The menu includes mottainai (concept of reducing waste)-inspired offerings made from underused fish species like tachiuo (beltfish) and isaki (chicken grunt). Instead of tossing the bycatch, they’re turning it into something beautiful—and tasty.
Tech That Feels Invisible (In a Good Way)
If you’ve ever eaten at a Kura Sushi before, you already know they love their gadgets. But this store takes things a step further.
Behind the scenes, AI and big data crunch numbers to predict demand, reduce food waste, and keep things flowing. ICT tools manage everything from seating to sanitation, making sure the guest experience runs smoothly—even when thousands of people pass through a day. You probably won’t notice any of it. And that’s kind of the goal: high-tech, low-fuss.
And with the doors opening in just three weeks, it’s worth getting excited about. Whether you’re a sushi nerd, a sustainability advocate or just hungry, this spot is ready to prove that conveyor belt dining can still surprise us.
Also worth a read:
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai: What You Need to Know
Kura Sushi Brings the World to the Table With 70 International Dishes at Osaka-Kansai Expo
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