TOKYO – The number of Japanese restaurants operating overseas fell for the first time in 2025, pressured by a sharp decline in China amid its economic downturn, a government survey showed.

The survey results, compiled biennially by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries since 2013, showed that there were approximately 181,000 Japanese restaurants abroad in 2025, down from a record high of 187,000 in 2023.