The Mikuni Restaurant Group, a sushi chain in Sacramento, California, is to be acquired by a US subsidiary of Tokyo-based Pan Pacific International Holdings.  

This deal will see Vanshow California, the subsidiary of Pan Pacific, acquire Mikuni’s eight locations in the Sacramento region and one in Concord, as reported by The Sacramento Bee.  

The deal is set to close in the second quarter of 2025.  

The strategic move was announced on Thursday and aligns with Mikuni's ambitious expansion plans. 

Taro Arai, the "chief dreaming officer" and master sushi chef at Mikuni, stated that financial specifics of the acquisition cannot be disclosed, but emphasised that the deal would significantly propel the company towards its target of 50 locations by its 50th anniversary.  

The first Mikuni restaurant was established by Arai's family in 1987 in Fair Oaks. 

Taro Arai was quoted by The Sacramento Bee: “We want to emphasise that Mikuni’s heart and soul will remain true as we live by our mission to be the most loving and loved company in the world.” 

No post-deal changes to management, leadership and operations are planned, and the 1,000 employees under Mikuni’s brand will be retained.  

In an email to the media outlet, Arai expressed confidence in the synergy between Mikuni Restaurant Group and Pan Pacific International Holdings, highlighting their shared core values, team dynamics, community engagement and leadership as key factors driving the decision to join forces with the Japanese conglomerate, which operates in groceries, real estate and financial services. 

Mikuni will inaugurate its 10th location in El Dorado Hills, California, in April 2025.