In a significant development for Japan's culinary landscape, Kumugee, a Tokyo-based company founded by businessman Takafumi Horie, has announced the acquisition of the popular udon chain Uchida-ya, based in Fukuoka City. The acquisition was revealed on April 18, 2025, during a live broadcast on CROSS FM, a radio station in Kitakyushu City, where Horie serves as chairman.
This strategic move comes amidst a growing appreciation for Fukuoka's udon, with plans to double the number of Uchida-ya locations from the current 42 to approximately 80 over the next five years. Horie expressed his enthusiasm for the udon chain, stating, "It's incredibly delicious with a rich bonito broth. Although it's a chain, it doesn't feel like one. It has the charm of a traditional local udon shop. I want to spread Kyushu's udon across the country." His vision is to expand the reach of local udon, particularly alongside other regional favorites like "Sukesan Udon" from Kitakyushu.
Uchida-ya, established in 1977, has built a reputation in Kyushu and operates under various brands, including "Menrui" and "Manpuku Udon." The company aims to enter the Kanto and Kansai regions within the year, tapping into new markets and expanding its customer base. The acquisition is set to enhance Uchida-ya's operational capabilities, especially as it looks to address management challenges such as digitalization.
The share transfer, which took place on March 31, 2025, has resulted in Uchida-ya becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kumugee. While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the strategic partnership is expected to provide significant benefits to both companies. Horie noted that Kumugee was seeking new ventures to complement its existing bakery businesses, which include the well-known "Komugi no Dorei" (Wheat Slave) bakery.
As part of this transition, Katsuyuki Uchida, the founder of Uchida-ya, will assume the role of chairman without representative rights, while Naoto Sasayama, the president of Kumugee, will take over as the new president of Uchida-ya. This leadership change is seen as a pivotal step in guiding Uchida-ya through its next phase of growth.
Horie's ambition to elevate Fukuoka's udon on a national and even global scale is reflective of a broader trend where regional cuisines are gaining popularity beyond their localities. The success of similar ventures in the past has set a precedent for this type of expansion, and it remains to be seen how Uchida-ya will navigate the competitive landscape of the Japanese food industry.
As the company prepares for its expansion, it will focus on not only increasing the number of stores but also enhancing the quality of service and product offerings. The integration of digital technologies into its operations is a key component of this strategy, aimed at improving customer engagement and operational efficiency.
With a rich history and a strong local following, Uchida-ya's transition into a subsidiary of Kumugee marks a new chapter for the beloved udon chain. As it embarks on this ambitious journey, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential for growth and the opportunity to share Fukuoka's unique udon experience with a wider audience.
This acquisition highlights the dynamic nature of Japan's food industry, where local businesses are increasingly looking to expand their reach and influence. The collaboration between Kumugee and Uchida-ya could serve as a model for other regional businesses aiming to make their mark on the national stage.
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between these two companies will be closely watched. Will Uchida-ya succeed in doubling its footprint while maintaining the quality and charm that has endeared it to its customers? Only time will tell, but with Horie's vision and leadership, the future looks promising.
