5 Japanese chains that are growing in the U.S.

The swift rise of ramen restaurants across the U.S. has inspired a new wave of Japanese concepts that are not focused on sushi.

Sushi is now considered as much a part of the American culinary experience as pizza. Ramen restaurants can be found in most major cities. And now, a growing number of chains based in Asia are seeing opportunity in the U.S., saying diners are ready and willing to try new dishes from Japan.

Asian flavors in general are popular: More than half of American consumers want to see more Asian-inspired dishes on U.S. restaurant menus, according to Datassential.

Here are five Japan-born or -inspired chains that are plotting growth across North America:

Uncle Tetsu

Uncle Tetsu, based in Japan, specializes in ultra-light and fluffy cheesecake that is comparable to soufflé. The chain already has two locations in the U.S., in Hawaii and California, through a partnership with Panda Restaurant Group Inc.

So popular is the chain that when a new location opens, long lines and wait times beyond an hour aren’t unusual. Panda Restaurant Group plans to expand Uncle Tetsu across the U.S.

Uncle Tetsu was founded in 1985 by Tetsushi Mizokami and has more than 80 locations around the world.

Crackin’ Kitchen

The first mainland location of Crackin’ Kitchen opened in Pasadena, Calif., in March, featuring a Hawaiian spin on Cajun-style seafood cooked in a bag with various sauces.

It’s the latest growth concept in the U.S. from Japanese conglomerate Toridoll Holdings Corp., which also operates the growing Marugame Udon concept, which has units in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The original Crackin’ Kitchen first opened in Waikiki, Hawaii, in 2015, and is part...