WALAKAS Co., Ltd. Established: ISSEI Co., Ltd. of "Yakiniku Kokokara" and Goodness Foods Co., Ltd. of "Bōya" Merge on 20th Anniversary

WALAKAS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Issei Asada), which operates and produces restaurants primarily in the yakiniku industry, has been newly established and commenced operations through the merger of ISSEI Co., Ltd. and Goodness Foods Co., Ltd., marking the 20th anniversary of its founding. We aim to maximize the strengths of both companies to further improve services and expand our business.

1. Basic Information on Merger and Company Name Change

Merger Method

An absorption-type merger with ISSEI Co., Ltd. as the surviving company and Goodness Foods Co., Ltd. as the absorbed company.

Change of Trade Name (Company Name)

On the same date as this merger, the surviving company, ISSEI Co., Ltd., changed its trade name to the new company name "WALAKAS Co., Ltd."

Effective Date of Merger and Company Name Change: April 1, 2026

Representative after Merger: Representative Director Issei Asada

2. Background and Process Leading to the Merger

"Yakiniku Kokokara" (formerly ISSEI Co., Ltd.) has strongly promoted FC expansion with its thick-cut meat and lively izakaya-style atmosphere, establishing an operation that doesn't require skilled chefs thanks to its central kitchen. On the other hand, "Wagyu Itto Yakiniku Bōya" (formerly Goodness Foods Co., Ltd.) has built a solid brand in Tokyo with its high-quality A5 rank meat purchased whole and handmade cold noodles. Following a group management integration since 2020, and in response to recent environmental changes in the restaurant industry such as rising prices and labor shortages, this formal merger and establishment of a new company were decided to improve the reproducibility of multi-store expansion and strengthen headquarters functions and logistics. By integrating the know-how of both companies, we will build a next-generation growth model that includes a wide range of developments from urban to suburban roadside types, and cost reduction through AI utilization.

3. Information on Merging Companies

■ ISSEI Co., Ltd.

Established: March 2007

Capital: 8 million yen

Representative: Representative Director Issei Asada

Sales: 2,003 million yen (Fiscal year ending March 2025)

Main Brands: Yakiniku Kokokara, Yakiniku Kokokara R, Yakiniku Gijuku

Achievements: Operates 22 directly managed stores and 21 FC stores, mainly in Tokyo, extending to Kansai, Kyushu, and Okinawa. Owns a central kitchen.

■ Goodness Foods Co., Ltd.

Established: April 2005 (Founded August 2003)

Capital: 10 million yen

Representative: Representative Director Issei Asada

Sales: 1,338 million yen (Fiscal year ending March 2025)

Main Brands: Wagyu Itto Yakiniku Bōya, Bōya Horumonkan

Achievements: Specializes in whole wagyu purchases and handmade cold noodles, operating 10 stores mainly in Tokyo, including Nihonbashi, Tokyo Station, and Fukuoka.

4. Impact on Existing Stores and Employees

Store Operations

Existing stores, including "Yakiniku Kokokara" and "Wagyu Itto Yakiniku Bōya," will continue to operate as before.

Employee Treatment

Employees from both companies will be transferred to the new company, and new personnel and evaluation systems will be established to further enhance career development opportunities.

5. Brands and Achievements

Currently, we operate 53 stores nationwide, including directly managed and FC stores.

Main Brands

Yakiniku Kokokara

Yakiniku Kokokara R

Yakiniku Kokokara Wagyu Mamire

Horumon Kokokara

Yakiniku Gijuku

Wagyu Itto Yakiniku Bōya

Bōya Horumonkan

Kameido-kei Horumon Yarinaoshi

Mellow Bites (Cafe)

Niku no Asada (Central Kitchen)

I-Plus (Grill Net Factory)

Bloom (Pilates)

Store Count Breakdown (Total 53 stores)

Directly managed stores: 32 stores (including 10 "Bōya" stores)

FC stores: 21 stores

Niku no Asada: 1 central kitchen facility

I-Plus: 1 grill net factory

Number of Employees: 620 (as of February 2026)

【Message from the Representative: Moments to Remember 10 Years Later】

Representative Issei Asada says, "Everyone has a vivid memory of a meal from 10 years ago." WALAKAS aims to provide customers with moments that make them feel energized and want to gather again, even if it's just a few hours of delicious food, a relaxing atmosphere, and laughter. We will spare no effort for our customers' smiles and our own, and we will spread smiles from Japan to the world.

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【Corporate Philosophy】 ■ Vision: A Feast for the Heart

To bring joy and smiles.

Always thinking, increasing what we can do, and improving.

As professionals, let's all create and deliver moments that will be remembered 10 years from now, and let's smile.

■ Mission

1: To the World, To the Future (To customers, to those involved, to staff, to ourselves, loving everything)

2: Full of Humor (Unconventional, with free ideas, ambition & action)

3: Deliver Healthily (Deliciousness, fun, comfort, and memorable moments)

■ Value (Action Guidelines)

1: Straightforward Greetings (Energetic, bright, cheerful, sometimes gentle)

2: Radiant Smiles (To everyone, to ourselves, with loving power)

3: Teamwork - Turning Differences into Strength (Recognizing each other, never forgetting gratitude, and giving feedback with love)

4: Always Challenging (Without pretense, without embellishment, enjoying it)

5: Solid 80%, Cherish the Remaining Space (Not being overly packed, always maintaining a sense of ease)

【Future Outlook】

Our mid-term goal is to achieve "10 billion yen in sales by 2030." Going forward, we will actively open yakiniku restaurants not only in urban areas but also focusing on suburban roadside types, promote multi-store expansion of new ramen concepts (directly managed + FC model), and establish a cost reduction and quality control system utilizing AI. We aim to become a company that preserves the good aspects of the past while incorporating cutting-edge technology, and disseminates the best of Japan to the world.

【Company Profile / Contact Information for this Matter】

Company Name: WALAKAS Co., Ltd.

Representative: Issei Asada

Location: BR Ryogoku 2 Building 901 & 902, 1-21-10 Midori, Sumida-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Restaurant operation, production & consulting

■ Inquiries from Media Relations

Public Relations: Yuichi Kimura

Email: y.kimura@walakas.co.jp