Major sushi chain opens in Hualien, boosting post-earthquake economy

Central News Agency (Hualien, 24th) Hualien has been hit hard by earthquakes and typhoons in recent years, impacting its economy. The opening of the 63rd store of the famous conveyor belt sushi chain 'Kura Sushi' in Hualien City is seen as a 'shot in the arm' for the post-earthquake economy. Ahead of the opening, children from four local social welfare organizations were invited to experience Japanese cuisine and participate in a charity event. The 'Kura Sushi Loves Sustainability' charity campaign for 2026 kicks off with the upcoming 'Hualien Ziyou Store.' The children enjoyed the sushi and played with the gashapon machines. Representatives from the welfare organizations expressed gratitude for the corporate social responsibility initiative, noting that it provides children with valuable cultural experiences. Kura Sushi established its Taiwan subsidiary in 2014. The new store is located on land formerly belonging to the old Hualien train station, near Ziyou Street, Chongqing Street, and Fujian Street. The Taiwan Railways Corporation stated that this is the chain's first entry into the Hualien-Taitung region and is viewed as a key indicator of Hualien's commercial recovery, expected to create local jobs and attract further investment.