Kokoro Japanese Restaurant: From Kingston to Cardiff and Beyond (2026)

The Japanese restaurant chain Kokoro, born in Kingston-upon-Thames, is expanding its reach with a new venue in Cardiff. Founded by Rak-Kyu Park in 2010, Kokoro has already established branches in Kingston, Surbiton, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Norwich, Wiltshire, Winchester, Norfolk, and Salisbury. This expansion marks a significant milestone, as the chain recently announced its ambitious goal of opening 100 new sites over the next five years, more than doubling its current presence. This rapid growth strategy showcases Kokoro's commitment to bringing its unique culinary experience to a wider audience across the UK.