Sugakiya will open two new stores in Kanagawa Prefecture this October, marking the chain's return to the Kanto market after approximately 20 years [1].

The expansion represents a strategic pivot for the Nagoya-based company as it leverages its 80th anniversary [5] to scale beyond its traditional strongholds. By returning to the Kanto region, Sugakiya aims to increase its brand value and meet growing customer demand outside of central Japan [2].

The two initial locations will be situated in Yokohama City, within a food court, and in Atsugi City, on the first floor of a building directly connected to Hon-Atsugi Station [3]. While some reports describe the opening as occurring in the autumn of 2026 [2], other reports specify the opening will take place in October [1].

The company first announced the move on June 15 [4]. This initial foray into Kanagawa is the first step in a more aggressive growth strategy. The company has set a target to open 50 stores within three years [5].

Sugakiya officials said that the announcement sparked significant internal and external interest. Miyaji, a spokesperson for Sugakiya, said the reaction was surprising even within the company. Miyaji said the company intends to provide products that meet the high expectations of the customers.

In a separate announcement on June 15, a Sugakiya spokesperson said the company had received many requests from people in the Kanto region and that the wait was finally over [2]. The company is positioning these openings as a response to long-standing consumer requests for the Nagoya-style flavors in the Kanto area [2].

“Sugakiya will open two new stores in Kanagawa Prefecture this October”

Sugakiya's return to Kanto is a calculated risk to test whether its regional brand loyalty in Nagoya can translate into success in the highly competitive Tokyo-adjacent markets. By targeting high-traffic hubs like Hon-Atsugi Station and food courts, the chain is prioritizing visibility and accessibility to build a foundation for its 50-store goal. This move suggests a shift from a regional specialty identity toward a national brand presence.