While the area near the intersection of Robson and Denman has long been dominated by ramen shops, Japanese cuisine has been diversifying over the years.

In the same vein as the super-popular tonkatsu (pork cutlet) house Saku, a forthcoming entry into the market will focus on a particular Japanese dish.

Signage has gone up at 1725 Robson Street, formerly inhabited by De Dutch Pannekeok House, indicating that Kaneko-Hannosuke is slated to open a restaurant at that location.

The Japanese chain has locations across Japan, as well as in Taiwan and the U.S. (including California, New Jersey, Illinois, and Hawaii).

The restaurant specializes in tempura tendon (or tempura on top of rice).

Edomae-tendon features conger eel, shrimp, squid, and a soft-boiled egg while tempura-meshi  includes battered deep-fried seafood or vegetables along with rice and side dishes such as tsukemono (Japanese pickles) and miso soup.

The Georgia Straight has contacted Kaneko-Hannosuke for further details, including what the opening date will be.