Japan hosted McDonald’s first restaurant outside North America.
McDonald’s entered Japan in 1971 through a partnership involving Den Fujita and the Japanese company Den Fujita. The first restaurant opened in Tokyo’s Ginza district, an important commercial area, and introduced the brand to the Asian market.
Canada was McDonald’s first international market overall, opening in 1967, but Canada is part of North America. Japan therefore marks the company’s first expansion beyond North America.
The Japanese business also illustrates how McDonald’s branding could remain recognizable while adapting to local conditions. The Golden Arches and restaurant name remained central, while menus, advertising, and operations reflected the Japanese market.