Back in early 2024, we explored the rich flavors and traditions of kushikatsu in our article “【Kushikatsu】Japan’s Irresistible Deep-Fried Skewers”. Since then, Japan’s beloved skewered dish has only grown more popular — and evolved in surprising ways. Whether you’re dipping into tradition or sampling inventive fusions, the Kushikatsu scene is sizzling with energy in 2025. Expo events, seasonal menus, gourmet pairings, and hands-on experiences are turning this once-humble snack into a must-try attraction for locals and international visitors alike.
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Expo 2025: Kushikatsu Goes Global at Osaka’s Food Court
Kushikatsu is now on the world stage — quite literally. At Expo 2025 Osaka, the iconic Osaka-based brand Kushikatsu Daruma has its own official booth at the “Noren Meguri: Food & Festival Expo” zone (W43 1F D101, Yumeshima site). Visitors can savor crispy skewers made with fresh seasonal ingredients in a setting that celebrates Japanese food culture.
Payment is fully cashless, adding a modern twist to a retro snack. The booth operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Official site
From Wagyu to KitKat: The Rise of Premium & Creative Skewers
While classics like lotus root and pork cutlet remain popular, a wave of creativity is reshaping kushikatsu menus across Japan.
- Kushikatsu Tanaka rolled out 18 new skewers this spring, including avocado, golden-eye snapper, and even yuba-uni-ikura combinations.
- Sweet options like fried matcha KitKat and white strawberry KitKat skewers are drawing curious foodies to limited-time pop-ups.
- Upscale restaurants like Kushikatsu Bon in Tokyo and Osaka now offer omakase-style menus featuring A5 wagyu, scallops, foie gras, and carefully curated wine pairings.
This “elevated kushikatsu” trend bridges the gap between comfort food and fine dining — and it’s catching on fast.
Osaka Castle’s Gourmet Expo: A Skewered Celebration
Running from April 12 to October 13, 2025, the Osaka Gourmet Expo at Osaka Castle Park is a major celebration of Kansai cuisine. The main square is home to dozens of food stalls, including several Kushikatsu specialists. It’s a great chance to sample regional flavors and enjoy lively entertainment in the heart of the city.
The event attracts both tourists and locals, reinforcing Osaka’s reputation as Japan’s food capital. Event site
Interactive Experiences: DIY Frying and Sauce Etiquette
In a fun twist, some new-generation kushikatsu spots are offering tabletop frying experiences, where guests cook their skewers fondue-style in communal oil pots. This hands-on approach makes the meal more social — and more memorable.
Meanwhile, the classic “no double-dipping” rule for shared sauce trays still holds strong in Kansai. But to meet modern hygiene expectations, many shops now provide individual sauce containers — especially popular with overseas visitors.
Combining nostalgia with convenience, these innovations are redefining how we engage with Kushikatsu.
Conclusion: More Than a Snack — A Cultural Phenomenon
What began as a street snack for Osaka’s working class has blossomed into a diverse, dynamic culinary trend. From Expo pavilions to upscale wine pairings, kushikatsu continues to reinvent itself while staying rooted in tradition.
As Japan welcomes the world to Expo 2025, Kushikatsu stands as a proud representative of the country’s evolving food culture — crunchy, creative, and undeniably crave-worthy.
Let’s go to Izakaya and a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide!!
You can enjoy many kinds of food at Izakaya and drinking culture Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.
Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.
When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!
Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.
New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!
