Xponential Fitness Signs Master Franchise Agreement in Japan for CycleBar

The Master Franchisee for CycleBar in Japan is entrepreneur Naoki Shimabukuro, CEO of Club Pilates Japan Co. Ltd. In addition to his role as Master Franchisee for CycleBar and Club Pilates, Shimabukuro is the Founder of Idealink Corporation, an internet media and franchise marketing agency, and was the organizer of the 2016 International Franchise Expo in Tokyo. The addition of CycleBar will expand on Shimabukuro’s current footprint in the Japanese market where Club Pilates has eight studios open and several more slated to open by the end of 2022.

“Japan is among the world’s top ten fitness markets, and we are confident that CycleBar will become one of the country’s top boutique fitness brands under Naoki’s leadership,” said John Kersh, Chief International Development Officer of Xponential Fitness. “His early success with Club Pilates is a testament to the growing enthusiasm for boutique fitness from Japanese consumers.”

“The timing is excellent for us to bring the immersive experience of CycleBar to Japan,” said Shimabukuro. “Japanese customers have an increasing interest in fitness and commitment to their health, and are seeking new and innovative options for their workout routines like CycleBar. Our team’s goal is to build CycleBar and Club Pilates into the most recognized and popular boutique fitness brands in Japan.”