Kura Sushi Extends Global Menu Inspired by Osaka Expo Dishes

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering culture.

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Image Source: Kim Kyung-Hoon

Following its record-breaking showcase at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Kura Sushi has announced that it will continue offering its globally inspired menu across select locations in Japan. The decision comes after overwhelming public response to the brand’s “Hands-Hands Project,” which featured 70 international dishes representing participating countries and regions.

This move signals a new chapter for Japan’s beloved conveyor belt sushi chain, blending traditional kaitenzushi with global flavors and sustainable innovation.

Expo success and public demand

During the Expo, Kura Sushi operated the world’s longest sushi train—135 meters—serving dishes from around the world in a rotating spectacle of culinary diplomacy. The initiative was part of the brand’s commitment to sustainability, cultural exchange, and food innovation, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about attractions at the event.

Customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting that the international menu be made permanent. Dishes inspired by Thai curry, Mexican ceviche, Italian caprese, and Middle Eastern falafel were among the most popular.

The Hands-Hands Project: A global tribute

The “Hands-Hands Project” was designed to celebrate unity through food. Each dish was curated to reflect the culinary identity of a participating nation, while adhering to Kura Sushi’s standards of freshness, affordability, and presentation. The project also emphasized AI-powered ordering systems, eco-friendly packaging, and low-waste operations, aligning with Expo 2025’s sustainability goals.

What’s next for Kura Sushi

• Menu rollout: Select dishes from the Expo menu will be integrated into Kura Sushi’s regular offerings at flagship stores in Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya.

• Seasonal rotations: The global menu will rotate quarterly, allowing diners to experience different regions throughout the year.

• International expansion: Kura Sushi plans to test the concept in its overseas branches, including locations in the U.S. and Taiwan.

• Cultural partnerships: Collaborations with embassies and culinary institutes are underway to ensure authenticity and innovation.

  
  

Kura Sushi’s decision to extend its global menu beyond the Osaka Expo reflects a growing appetite for culinary diversity and cultural storytelling. By merging traditional Japanese dining with international flavors, the brand is redefining kaitenzushi for a global audience—one plate at a time.