#Japan #Tokyo #Red Lobster #Gratitude

Red Reward Story: A New Initiative by Red Lobster

Red Lobster Japan, under the leadership of CEO Hiroshi Otsuka, has recently introduced a new initiative called 'Red Reward Story.' This project aims to encourage individuals across Japan to express their everyday gratitude and appreciation starting from August 2025. To complement this initiative, the company conducted a survey targeting fans of Red Lobster, gathering insights about the cultural nuances of expressing thanks and recognition in Japan.

Exploring Japanese Gratitude Etiquette

Through this survey, it became evident that the act of expressing gratitude is strongly influenced by the typical Japanese mindset, which values consideration for others above self-expression. Many survey respondents indicated a preference for acknowledging the efforts of others—especially family and close friends—over expressing their own feelings. Over 50% of participants identified 'family' as the primary recipient of their gratitude, highlighting the significant role that personal relationships play in these interactions.

Understanding Survey Highlights

1. Gratitude in Close Relationships: More than half of respondents expressed a desire to show appreciation mainly to family. It seems that familiarity often breeds a reluctance to explicitly convey feelings of gratitude.
2. Putting Others First: Interestingly, most respondents indicated that their timing for expressing thanks is often dictated by the emotional or situational state of others rather than their own. Nearly 58% stated that they feel compelled to express appreciation when they see someone working hard or appearing fatigued.
3. Everyday Actions Count: The survey identified household chores and caregiving as the top areas for which people feel thankful, emphasizing the mundane yet significant moments in daily life that often go unacknowledged.
4. Experiential Over Material Gifts: The trend has shifted from tangible gifts to shared experiences. A whopping 89.1% preferred expressing gratitude through outings such as dining together, showcasing the importance of shared moments in relationships.
5. Criteria for Restaurant Selection: When it comes to choosing restaurants for these expressions of gratitude, respondents highlighted 'comfort,' 'escape from the everyday,' and 'privacy' as key factors, indicating a preference for intimate dining environments that foster connection.

Conclusion: Fostering a Culture of Gratitude

The findings of this survey shed light on the intrinsic nature of gratitude in Japanese culture. Despite the frequency of unspoken appreciation among loved ones, the desire to express gratitude remains strong, particularly during moments when others need support. It has become evident that people are inclined to value experiences together over materialistic gestures, reaffirming the importance of creating special memories as a means of expressing thanks.

As Red Lobster continues to provide delicious seafood in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it aspires to serve as a venue where individuals can freely share these heartfelt sentiments. The 'Red Reward Story' initiative is not merely about gift-giving but about nurturing relationships through enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

Company Overview

Founded in the United States in 1968 and expanding to Japan in 1982, Red Lobster is renowned for its high-quality seafood offerings. With fresh lobster shipped directly from Canada and a diverse menu featuring oysters, shrimp, steak, and pasta, it caters to all taste preferences. Additionally, Red Lobster strives to create an environment where families and friends can come together and enjoy wonderful meals, all while expressing their heartfelt gratitude to each other in a comfortable and inviting setting.