Japanese chain Sushiro opens 2 new outlets in Shanghai, China, 14-hour queue forms

Conveyor belt sushi chain restaurant Sushiro opened at two locations in Shanghai on Saturday, Dec. 6, which are the first outlets in the Chinese city — and a 14-hour queue ensued.

According to Nikkei Asia, demand for conveyer belt sushi in China has been going up owing to the cuisine's relative cheap prices, ranging from 10 yuan (S$1.84) to 28 yuan (S$5.14) per plate.

Sushiro made its first foray into China in 2021.

The first outlet was at Guangzhou and the chain has since expanded to 71 locations across the country.

700 groups showed up on opening day

The new outlet at Shanghai's Global Harbor shopping mall was packed with potential diners waiting to get a ticket to eat at the restaurant later in the day.

An estimated 700 groups of customers showed up at the outlet.

Each location seats about 300 customers, with private rooms available.

Only some seats can be reserved in advance.

Vacancies for the next month are fully booked.

Customers were greeted in Japanese and Mandarin.

The new Shanghai locations offer exclusive menu items, such as herring roe, pickled tuna and fatty sardines.

Sushiro is by Japan's Food & Life Companies.

Background

The packed restaurants occurred at a time when relations between Beijing and Tokyo continue to be strained.

China warned its citizens in mid-November 2025 to avoid visiting Japan following remarks made by the Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi in parliament on Nov. 7.

Takaichi said an attack on Taiwan by the Chinese could amount to a "survival-threatening situation" and trigger a military response from Tokyo.

Top photo via Shin Min Daily News