Hitomaile Group to Begin Logistics Operations for Yakiniku Toraji at Heiwajima Center

Revolutionizing Logistics: Hitomaile Group Partners with Yakiniku Toraji

In a strategic move to strengthen its logistics capabilities, Hitomaile Group, headquartered in Kita-ku, Tokyo, has announced the official commencement of operations for Yakiniku Toraji, a popular yakiniku restaurant chain, at its newly established Heiwajima Center. This facility is equipped with advanced cold storage that accommodates three temperature zones (frozen, partial, and refrigerated), allowing for optimal temperature control of various food items. The partnership, which began in July 2026, aims to streamline and manage the complex logistics of food delivery in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Meeting Industry Challenges

The restaurant industry faces numerous ongoing challenges, including a shortage of delivery drivers, rising costs, and stringent quality control measures due to the 2024 issue, which has heightened demands on food service providers. Leveraging the robust asset base and distribution know-how acquired through extensive experience, Hitomaile Logistics is creating an efficient Third-Party Logistics (3PL) system aimed at addressing these challenges. By integrating processes—collecting from central kitchens, temporary storage, and delivering to storefronts—this innovative approach promises to enhance the operational efficiency of Yakiniku Toraji and ensure a stable delivery infrastructure for its restaurants.

A Closer Look at Heiwajima Center's Facilities

The Heiwajima Center hosts around 200 tsubo of cutting-edge refrigerated and frozen storage facilities, which are crucial for maintaining the quality and safety of food products. The logistics flow outlined for Yakiniku Toraji is methodical:

1. Collection: Products are picked up from Yakiniku Toraji's central kitchen by refrigerated logistics vehicles operated by Hitomaile Logistics.
2. Storage and Management: Products are stored at the Heiwajima Center under their ideal temperature zones to ensure freshness.
3. Delivery: Orders from various restaurants are dispatched based on their needs, with meticulous temperature regulation maintained throughout the transportation process to ensure food safety.

Strengthening the 3PL Framework

Through its logistics platform, Hitomaile Group seeks to resolve key challenges faced by external partners by providing tailored solutions that include:

- Comprehensive 3PL Services: Managing everything from inventory control to transportation and delivery.
- Last-Mile Delivery: Utilizing a proprietary delivery network to ensure high-quality service by dedicated staff.
- Two-Way Logistics: Efficiently managing the return transportation of materials and containers to minimize waste and environmental impact.
- Flow-through Logistics: Facilitating quick sorting and shipping without holding stock, thereby reducing inventory risk.
- Advanced Temperature Control: Maintaining optimal conditions across various temperature bands to preserve food quality.

Future Outlook and Mission

With the newly implemented logistics platform, Hitomaile Group is committed to evolving its services to foster relationships with new partners, enhancing the platform which supports everything from order management to invoicing. This initiative not only adds value for partner companies but also plays a vital role in societal advancement by ensuring quality food service through optimized logistics.

Company Profiles

Yakiniku Toraji, Inc.

- Location: 3-7-26 Tazumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- CEO: Nobuhiko Kim
- Established: June 30, 1999
- Business: Operation of Yakiniku restaurants
- Website: Yakiniku Toraji

Hitomaile, Inc.

- Location: 2-3-1 Toshima, Kita-ku, Tokyo
- CEO: Hiroyuki Maegaki
- Established: June 15, 1982 (Founded on November 1, 1921)
- Business: Operation of a sales platform, business strategy development, management, and related services
- Website: Hitomaile