#Japan #franchise expansion #Kawagoe #Smile Cars #Smile Company

Smile Cars Announces Major Expansion in Japan

Smile Company, a leader in no-store used car buying services through its franchise brand Smile Cars, has revealed plans to open two new stores in April 2026. This exciting development will bring the total number of Smile Cars locations in Japan to 132, significantly enhancing their ability to provide personalized and community-focused car life support.

What Sets Smile Cars Apart?

Unlike traditional car dealerships, Smile Cars employs a visiting model that allows them to come directly to the customer's home or a designated location. This innovative approach minimizes overhead costs typically associated with maintaining physical storefronts. As a result, Smile Cars is able to offer higher valuation prices and better service quality, which has endeared them to customers nationwide.

The upcoming openings will facilitate even quicker response times for customers, meeting the specific needs of each region more effectively.

Community-Centric Focus

Smile Cars prides itself on being deeply rooted in local communities. By tapping into the unique demands of each locality, the company aims to provide tailored services that resonate with customers' needs. Each interaction reflects their commitment to building lasting relationships with their clients.

Shigeru Sakamoto, the store manager at the new Tama Fuchu location, emphasizes the company's mission: “Our motto is to share smiles and nurture connections through our services.” This philosophy is echoed by the company's representatives, including President Shunsuke Yamano, who reiterates the importance of being a reliable partner for customers.

“This expansion is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our franchise owners who engage sincerely with customers every day,” Yamano noted. “Selling a car can be a daunting experience for many, laden with uncertainty. Therefore, we prioritize not just competitive pricing but also a courteous and reassuring service experience.”

Further Expansion Plans

Looking towards the future, Smile Company remains committed to assisting customers considering the sale of their vehicles, ensuring they receive the best support possible throughout the process. With the new franchise locations set to open in Tama City and Nara, local communities can look forward to enhanced car buying experiences.

New Location Details

Tama Fuchu Store

• - Address: 1216-3 KT Corporation, Koda, Tama City, Tokyo, Japan
• - Phone: 090-9348-3240
• - Hours: Various (Please check by phone)
• - Social Media: Instagram

Nara Yamato Store

• - Address: 3-1 Hashimoto-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, Japan (Inside BONCHI)
• - Phone: 090-3708-2574
• - Hours: 7:30 AM - 8 PM
• - Social Media: Instagram

Achievements and Recognition

Smile Company has been recognized as one of the “Top 100 Companies Representing Saitama” as of September 2025, reinforcing its reputation and commitment to excellence. In addition to expanding the Smile Cars franchise, plans are underway for a new franchise focused solely on commercial vehicles, set to launch in 2026.

Looking Ahead

As Smile Company aims for sustainable business growth, they focus on forming strong ties with franchise owners and fostering a cooperative business model. The success story of Smile Cars, detailed in Shunsuke Yamano’s forthcoming book, captures insights into the franchise's rapid growth, highlighting authentic experiences over success anecdotes, making it a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs. The book, titled Why Did Smile Cars Exceed 100 Stores in Just Three Years?, will be available on March 11, 2026.

This innovative approach to car buying keeps Smile Cars ahead of the curve in a competitive market, with its sights set firmly on future growth and customer satisfaction.

For more information, please visit the official Smile Cars and Smile Track websites.