Acquired 72 Franchise Inquiries in Approximately One Month; Analyzing Inquirer Feedback to Strengthen Headquarters Support System for Beginners Starting July 1, 2026

EN Inc. (Headquarters: Machida City, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kotaro Sugimoto) conducted preliminary promotions utilizing PR activities, SNS, YouTube, and web marketing for approximately one month in May 2026, prior to its full-scale recruitment. As a result, we received 72 franchise inquiries, requests for information, and questions from business owners and individuals considering independent business ownership nationwide.

Analysis of the inquiries revealed a high level of interest in high-end businesses, with many questions such as "Can I start a business even if I have no experience?", "What is the revenue model?", and "To what extent will the headquarters provide support?". This highlighted a need for a robust support system.

In response, EN Inc. will further enhance its headquarters support system to ensure each franchisee can start and operate their business with peace of mind, and will begin recruiting business partners nationwide.

Most Frequently Asked Questions from Franchise Inquirers

Analysis of the 72 inquiries received during approximately one month in May 2026 showed that the interests of potential franchisees were concentrated on the following:

1st Place Can I start a business without a craftsman?

2nd Place Can I start a business without prior experience in the restaurant industry?

3rd Place I want to know about startup capital and revenue models.

4th Place How are store locations decided?

5th Place Will the headquarters support customer acquisition and PR?

Headquarters Support System

At EN Inc., based on the philosophy that "the success of our franchisees enhances the value of our brand," we provide supportive, step-by-step assistance from before opening to after opening.

• Standardization of quality through cooking training and operational manuals • Individual support for store location, business plans, and revenue models • PR and customer acquisition support utilizing PR TIMES, YouTube, and SNS • Operational guidance, sales promotion support, and business consultations after opening • Continuous headquarters support to maintain brand value

"Japanese Culture x Inbound x High-End Food Culture" Nationwide

Against the backdrop of increasing inbound tourism and growing interest in Japanese cuisine, the demand for high-quality dining brands is expanding.

"Tonkatsu Kei (YOI)" is expanding nationwide as a co-creative brand that fuses regional charm with food culture, under the concept of

"Japanese Culture × Inbound × High-End Food Culture."

We are not simply operating a tonkatsu franchise, but are promoting the creation of locally rooted brands together with our franchisees, contributing to the revitalization of regional economies.

Future Development

EN Inc. aims for sustainable store expansion by expanding its franchisee network in major cities nationwide over the next three years, while strengthening collaboration with regional financial institutions and local businesses.

Furthermore, we will continuously support the expansion of franchisee recognition and improvement of customer acquisition capabilities through our unique marketing support that combines PR, video, and SNS.

Representative's Comment

"The 72 inquiries received in approximately one month in May 2026 made me realize the high expectations for the high-end tonkatsu business. We are sincerely listening to the voices of our potential franchisees and further strengthening our systems to ensure that even those without experience can challenge themselves with peace of mind. As a brand that conveys Japanese food culture to the world, we want to grow together with our business partners nationwide.

The "Tonkatsu Hitomi" feature video released on a popular gourmet YouTube channel has garnered a significant response, surpassing a cumulative 650,000 views. This 650,000 view count is not from our official YouTube channel, but the cumulative achievement from a third-party perspective feature and introduction video by a popular gourmet YouTube creator.

"Moving Hospitality and Blissful Tonkatsu" (approx. 270,000 views) *With permission from Sekatomo Channel

"Moved by My First Tonkatsu!" (approx. 380,000 views) *With permission from Sekatomo Channel

Company Profile

Company Name: EN Inc.

Representative: President and CEO Kotaro Sugimoto

Headquarters: 4-34-1 Takagasaka, Machida City, Tokyo

Head Office: NS Plaza 1B, 7-4-11 Tamagawa Gakuen, Machida City, Tokyo

Established: December 1, 2015 (Founded: January 2015)

Capital: 5,550 thousand yen

Fiscal Year End: November

Number of Employees: 25 regular employees, 80 part-time/temporary staff

Business Activities: • Operation of high-end tonkatsu specialty stores • Franchise headquarters operations • Franchise development support • Restaurant consulting

Brand: High-end Tonkatsu Kei (YOI)

URL: EN Inc. Official Website https://en-foodbiz.com

[Contact Information for this Matter] EN Inc. Franchise Business Department Head Office: NS Plaza 1B, 7-4-11 Tamagawa Gakuen, Machida City, Tokyo FC Franchise Representative: Shuntaro Sasaki MAIL: sasaki@en-foodbiz.com