Until Miki Watanabe opened his first Watami "izakaya" pub in April 1992 in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, such eateries were considered places for business workers and college kids to have a cheap drink and a few side dishes.

But Watanabe, founder and president of the Watami Co. izakaya chain, wanted to change this concept and instead target families.

"My idea was to offer a warm family dinner table outside the home that did not take the form of a 'family restaurant,' " said Watanabe, who first started out in business in 1984 by franchising Tsubohachi izakaya outlets. "Because izakaya dishes are meant to be shared, I thought it would be great for families."