#Japan #Tokyo #Okinawa #Ishikawa #POS+

Overview of 2025 Restaurant Sales Trends

In a recent report released by Postas Co., Ltd., the analysis of POS data for the period from January to December 2025 shows a slight increase in restaurant sales, achieving 101% of the previous year's figures. This growth, however, presents a nuanced scenario characterized by a decrease in customer numbers, which declined by 2%, offset by an increase in average customer spend by 4%. The report highlights significant differences in performance across regions and restaurant types.

Key Findings

Overall Trends

Restaurant sales for 2025 reached 101% compared to the previous year, indicating an almost stagnant growth.
Customer numbers decreased to 98%, reflecting a 2% decline.
The average spend per customer increased to 104%, marking a 4% rise over the previous year.
This trend of reduced customer numbers being compensated by increased spending has become the new norm in the restaurant industry.

Performance by Type of Cuisine

The analysis categorized restaurant performance across 17 different types, revealing a consistent decrease in customer numbers for all categories:

• - Top-performing: Italian restaurants grew to 105%, followed by steakhouses at 103% and takeout services also at 103%.
• - Struggling categories: Korean restaurants saw only 94%, sushi establishments at 98%, and other types like okonomiyaki and barbecue remained stagnant at 100%.

All 17 types reported a drop in customer numbers, making the rise in average spending a crucial strategy for maintaining sales numbers.

Regional Performance

The regional review of restaurant sales indicated that provincial areas are thriving while major urban centers lag behind:

• - Leaders: Ishikawa Prefecture topped the rankings with a sales increase of 106.5%, followed by Okinawa at 105.3%. Nagano ranked third with a growth of 104.7%.
• - Major cities facing challenges: Tokyo registered a growth of only 100.9%, placing it 25th, while Kyoto recorded a negative growth at 99.0%. The anticipated boost from inbound tourism remains limited.
• - Bottom performers: Niigata at 94.8%, Yamagata at 96.5%, and Oita at 97.3% round out the list of underperforming regions.

Cashless Payment Trends

The shift towards cashless transactions has been gradual, with an average rate of 53.1% for the year—although this figure dipped to 53.9% in December, indicating an enduring reliance on cash. Breakdown of payment methods shows:

• - Credit cards account for 41.7%, marking the most significant proportion, while QR code payments are stagnant at 8.3%. Cash transactions still dominate at 46.9%.

Customer Spending Patterns

Sales concentrated heavily on weekends, particularly Friday through Sunday, which together accounted for 53.0% of total sales. Notably, dinner times accounted for 60.6% of sales, further emphasizing the emphasis on late dining:

• - Spending on Fridays and Saturdays: Higher average spending of 3,321 yen on Fridays and 3,150 yen on Saturdays signifies weekend spikes.
• - Lunch Hours: Despite the high customer counts during lunch, the low yield translates to only 24.5% of total sales, emphasizing the challenge of maintaining profitability in this time.

Conclusion

As the landscape of the restaurant industry continues to evolve in 2025, a notable shift is marked from quantitative expansion to qualitative improvement. The challenge of declining customer numbers has reinforced a focus on increasing average spending per customer. Differentiation through unique local experiences and targeted promotions during under-utilized hours may hold potential for revenue stability and growth in an increasingly competitive market. The reports from gadgets such as POS+ from Postas Co., Ltd. support this adaptive strategy, as they continue to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement in an era characterized by innovation and changing consumer preferences.

About Postas Co., Ltd.

Established in May 2013, Postas Co., Ltd. specializes in cloud-based mobile POS systems aimed at the restaurant, retail, beauty, and clinical sectors. With its flagship POS+ system, the company supports the dual goals of operational efficiency and exceptional service. They are dedicated to enhancing Japan's hospitality culture by utilizing technology to alleviate labor shortages and facilitate a focus on personalized customer service.