Watami
和民
The responsible family izakaya since 1984
Introduction
Watami (和民, "People in Harmony") is one of Japan's largest izakaya chains with over 400 restaurants. Founded in 1984, Watami distinguishes itself through its family-friendly and responsible approach, offering accessible cuisine in a welcoming environment for all ages. The chain is a pioneer in organic agriculture and corporate social responsibility in Japan.
🌱 Responsible philosophy
- • Organic agriculture - Watami farms for fresh vegetables
- • Complete traceability - Controlled production circuit
- • Family first - Welcoming atmosphere for everyone
- • Accessible prices - Democratization of izakaya
🚜 Unique agricultural integration
Watami owns its own organic farms that directly supply its restaurants with fresh vegetables. This vertical integration guarantees quality and freshness of products while controlling costs. The company employs over 60 dedicated farmers in its farms spread across Japan.
👨👩👧👦 Family positioning
Unlike traditional izakaya often reserved for adults, Watami explicitly welcomes families with children. The restaurants offer children's menus, high chairs, and an atmosphere less focused on alcohol, while maintaining the friendly spirit of izakaya.
🌍 International expansion
Watami has successfully expanded to Asia (Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong) and is testing the American market. Each implementation adapts the concept to local tastes while keeping the fundamental values of quality and accessibility that make the brand successful.
📊 Digital innovation
Watami invests heavily in technology with ordering applications, smart reservation systems, and even service robots in some restaurants. This modernization aims to improve efficiency while maintaining human contact.
Family & Responsible Menu
🥬 Watami Farm Vegetables
Own production: Vegetables grown on Watami organic farms, harvested at maturity and delivered directly to restaurants.
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer's Salad | 農園サラダ | Seasonal vegetables from Watami farms | ¥580 |
| Grilled Vegetables | 焼き野菜 | Charcoal-grilled selection | ¥680 |
| Vegetable Soup | 野菜スープ | Homemade soup with farm vegetables | ¥420 |
| Vegetable Tempura | 野菜天ぷら | Light batter, crispy vegetables | ¥720 |
👨👩👧👦 Family Dishes
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Karaage | ファミリーからあげ | Large portion, perfect for sharing | ¥880 |
| Gyoza Plate | 餃子プレート | 12 pieces, thin homemade wrapper | ¥650 |
| Japanese Pizza | 和風ピザ | Creative fusion, mayonnaise and seaweed | ¥780 |
| Watami Fried Rice | 和民チャーハン | Stir-fried rice with farm vegetables | ¥620 |
| Potato Gratin | ポテトグラタン | Japanized comfort food, local cheese | ¥580 |
🍢 Izakaya Specialties
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakitori Assortment | 焼鳥盛合せ | 5 varied skewers, tare sauce | ¥980 |
| Daily Sashimi | 本日の刺身 | Fresh selection according to market | ¥880 |
| Agedashi Tofu | 揚げ出し豆腐 | Fried tofu, delicate dashi broth | ¥480 |
| Watami Takoyaki | 和民たこ焼き | 8 pieces, original recipe | ¥520 |
| Shrimp Tempura | 海老天ぷら | Large shrimp, light batter | ¥780 |
🧒 Children's Menu
Specially designed: Adapted portions and mild flavors to introduce children to Japanese cuisine.
Main dishes
- • Mini karaage - Fried chicken without spice (¥380)
- • Child omurice - Egg rice, mild sauce (¥450)
- • Mini hamburger - Japanese version (¥420)
- • Simple udon - Light broth, soft noodles (¥350)
Sides & desserts
- • Sweet potato fries - Naturally sweet (¥280)
- • Edamame - Introduction to Japanese vegetables (¥220)
- • Vanilla ice cream - Simple and appreciated dessert (¥250)
- • Fruit juice - 100% natural (¥200)
🍺 Drinks & Sake
Beer & Alcohol
- • Draft beer - ¥420 (M), ¥620 (L)
- • House chu-hi - Fresh fruits - ¥480
- • Quality sake - Careful selection - ¥520
- • Whisky highball - Izakaya classic - ¥450
- • Farm wine - Watami production - ¥580
Family beverages
- • House iced tea - ¥280
- • Vegetable juice - Watami farms - ¥350
- • Fresh lemonade - ¥320
- • Iced/hot coffee - ¥300
- • Mineral water - ¥200
Watami specialties
- • Vegetable-fruit smoothie - ¥420
- • Premium green tea - ¥350
- • Non-alcoholic cocktail - ¥380
- • Soy milk - Organic production - ¥250
Responsible Commitment
🌱 Organic agriculture
Watami owns and directly operates several certified organic farms in Japan, guaranteeing complete traceability of its vegetables.
- • Zero pesticides - 100% natural cultivation
- • Short circuit - From farm to restaurant in 24h
- • Seasonality - Menus adapted to harvests
- • Local employment - 60+ farmers employed
♻️ Sustainable development
- • Food waste reduction
- • Biodegradable packaging
- • Energy savings in restaurants
- • Optimized farm-restaurant transport
- • Cooking oil recycling
👥 Social responsibility
- • Young farmer training
- • Local producer support
- • Senior employment on farms
- • Educational programs for children
- • Agricultural school partnerships
🏆 Certifications & awards
Watami has received numerous distinctions for its environmental and social commitment, including Japanese organic certifications and awards for sustainable innovation in catering.
Family Practical Guide
👨👩👧👦 With children
- 1. Reservation advised, specify "family with children"
- 2. Request regular table (more practical than counter)
- 3. Children's menu available with illustrations
- 4. High chairs and children's utensils provided
- 5. Tolerant atmosphere, children welcome
🎯 Family discovery menu
- • Farmer's salad - Organic vegetables (¥580)
- • Family karaage - To share (¥880)
- • Mini hamburger - For child (¥420)
- • Yakitori assortment - Discovery (¥980)
- • Various drinks - With/without alcohol (¥200-600)
- Total: ¥3,060-3,460 for family of 4
🌱 Organic and local focus
- • Grilled vegetables - From Watami farms (¥680)
- • Vegetable-fruit smoothie - Organic (¥420)
- • Vegetable tempura - Guaranteed freshness (¥720)
- • Vegetable juice - Own production (¥350)
- • Agedashi tofu - Organic soy (¥480)
- Total: ¥2,650 for organic experience
💡 Practical tips
- • Family hours - Prefer 5-7 PM to avoid crowds
- • Reservation - Watami mobile app very practical
- • Payment - All cards accepted, very family-friendly
- • Allergies - Trained staff, traced organic ingredients
- • Duration - Allow 1.5-2 hours for a relaxed meal
Essential Information
💡 Tips for Families
🏆 Must-Try Specialties
🏮 Cultural Note
Watami revolutionized the izakaya concept in Japan by adapting it to modern families. This approach reflects the evolution of Japanese society towards more family inclusion in restaurant outings, while maintaining environmental commitment that becomes a growing priority for Japanese consumers.