In Singapore, the Hong Kong restaurant chain Itacho Sushi appears to have officially closed all of its outlets. This decision, confirmed as of March 15, 2026, follows a series of closures throughout the year involving multiple locations. The last four operational branches, which included popular spots such as Ion Orchard, Bugis Junction, The Star Vista, and Square 2 in Novena, were noted to have been marked as permanently closed on Google Maps. Interestingly, these closures were not sudden; they align with earlier restaurant shutdowns at other malls, including Tampines Mall and Bedok Mall, reflecting an apparent trend in the chain's diminishing presence in the region. Significantly, the brand’s website was inaccessible, and their social media accounts on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have also been removed, indicating a comprehensive end to their digital presence in Singapore. Moreover, the Itacho Sushi mobile app was no longer available on popular app stores, suggesting a systematic withdrawal from the market. Further investigations revealed that the operating entity for Itacho Sushi in Singapore, known as Itacho BM, has been marked for being struck off the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority’s Register of Companies, with this notice publicly released on February 13, prior to their complete closure. The closures surfaced in the wake of considerable turmoil for the brand, including the passing of its Hong Kong founder, Ricky Cheng, in December 2024. A spokesperson for Bugis Junction stated that the closure at their location was the result of a planned non-renewal arrangement. They highlighted that this aligns with the larger trend of Itacho’s unwinding strategy in Singapore following the founder’s death. Their lease officially ended on March 11, 2026, contributing to the timeline of recent closures and reflecting the struggles they faced operating in the competitive Singapore dining scene. As a handmade sushi specialist, Itacho Sushi also offered a variety of Japanese cuisine, which was popular among the local clientele. However, with the brand's disappearance, it leaves a gap in the market for handmade sushi, provoked by the closures. Various shopping centers like ION Orchard have noted the importance of continuously refreshing their brand offerings, yet were unable to divulge specific agreements made with Itacho due to confidentiality agreements. The broader implications of this closure not only affect the brand and its former employees but will also impact the customer base that frequented their outlets, seeking quality Japanese dining. Stakeholders and patrons have expressed surprise at the suddenness of this development, which was deeply felt throughout the local foodie community.