Kourakuen is a popular Japanese ramen chain based in the east of Japan that is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year. Their diverse ramen menu line-up elicits a hint of nostalgia amongst the people of Japan, with its number one product being the “Chuka Soba,” a Chinese-style soba noodle dish.
The company just recently launched its first ever mascot characters called “Mama” and “Papa.” They are a family who love to eat out at Kourakuen, with Papa having a weakness for ramen and Kourakuen’s popular Chuka Soba, and Mama having a thing for their seasonal and limited-time dishes.
In celebration of 65 years since its establishment, Kourakuen announced an international Child Character Design Contest which people from around the world are able to participate in. Participants must create a child character for Mama and Papa. The winning character will serve to promote and make Kourakuen an even more fun place, appearing on the company’s social media platforms and at events to spread the word of their ramen across the globe.
But that’s not all. Winners will receive ¥300,000 travel money with JTB and ¥200,000 in prize money. Many people are unaware of Kourakuen outside Japan, hence the contest, so if you’re reading this article, this is your chance to get involved and get the word out there!
Our MOSHI MOSHI Friends members decided to all get together and enter the contest!
Six of our amazing members came together. They are a diverse bunch, each of different nationalities and ages and having different hobbies.
They headed to the Dogenzaka branch of Kourakuen in Shibuya, Tokyo where they ordered food of their choice as inspiration for their character designs.
Being a ramen chain, Kourakuen of course has a long list of ramen options, but they also boast a selection of delicious side dishes too like gyoza and chahan. Our members were spoiled for choice and it took them 5-minutes or so to decide, but each of them settled on their favourite-sounding dishes.
Time to tuck in!
Chuka Soba – ¥440
Naomi is a model from the Philippines. She went and tried the “Chuka Soba,” Kourakuen’s most popular dish.
This was her first time eating at Kourakuen, and she seemed to enjoy the subtle flavours of her Chuka Soba.
Etsuna, a model from China, has recently been obsessed with going to Hakata to eat tonkotsu, so she went for the “Tonkotsu Chashu Noodles” (¥640). She was really happy that there were mustard greens in the dish which she said made it really tasty. We were looking forward to seeing what kind of character Estuna was going to illustrate as she graduated from an arts college.
Vegetable Gyoza – ¥240
“I’ll go with vegetable gyoza!” Peter decided promptly, a Canadian and vegetarian who was raised in Japan.
He was very pleased with his choice, saying: “I finally get to eat meatless gyoza after so long! There’s plenty of veg in them like yam, beefsteak plant and ginger. The skin is chewy too, it’s really good.” Kourakuen’s vegetable gyoza have no meat or onions in them, so we recommend them for people who have always wanted to try gyoza but don’t like the smell.
Sammy is a British translator for us on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON and she loves Japanese food. She loves ramen but is also health-wise, so she ordered the “Reduced Salt Chuka Soba” (¥440). “I came prepared, I’ve been practicing drawing my character since yesterday!” she explained, full of vim and vigour.
Our next member, Daniel, Chief Editor at game and entertainment website IGN JAPAN, ordered the limited-time “Sesame Miso Chashu Noodles” (¥640). He gave careful consideration to his dish and character design idea, explaining: “I want to use noodles in my drawing. I love adding egg to my ramen, and children are born from eggs, so I’m thinking I might include eggs too.”
Egg Rice Bowl – ¥320
ChiMy ordered the Negi Ramen (¥540) together with the Egg Rice Bowl. She works as both as an illustrator and DJ. She actually frequents Kourakuen after her DJ sets, so she already had in mind her order.
With their bellies full and their minds filled with inspiration from each of their dishes, it was time to get drawing.
They laid out their crayons, pencils, coloured pencils and erasers onto the table. The competition allows both digital and hand drawn submissions. MOSHI MOSHI Friends went the traditional hand drawn route.
ChiMy got stuck right in, using the pens she normally uses for her works.
Everyone was chatty just moments ago, but as soon as they put pen to paper, they went straight into serious mode. We could see them incorporating different elements of their food into their drawings, like noodles, egg, seaweed, narutomaki, rice bowls, and so on.
Each person who participates in the contest can submit as many entries as they like. Estuna seemed to be drawing both a boy and a girl.
“Does this kid [character] even have a gender to begin with?” Daniel pondered as he worked on his character.
Our members had to come up with fitting names for their child too.
After about an hour of working hard, our members’ adorable children were finally complete.
ChiMy’s character is called “En-chan.” She has a rice bowl for a hat and her hair is made of noodles. Her hair also has a stylish narutomaki hair clip.
Sammy named her character “Umen,” which makes use of both Papa’s noodles and Mama’s narutomaki. His cute shoes are actually eggs!
Naomi create a super adorable sibling pair, called Chad The E-Boy and VSCO-chan respectively. They have matching wavy noodle hair, as you’d expect from a brother and sister.
Estuna’s idea was a twin brother and sister called “Menyuyu-chan” and “Rakutaro” who transform when they eat noodles. It’s cool that she even added some lore to their character!
Daniel’s character is “Ramen Baby,” a creepy-cute ramen bowl who eats their own noodles, aka themselves. The diaper adds that baby touch to the character.
Peter conceived “Mugimen,” who has a Native American-like appearance and whose torso is an egg. His headpiece is wheat which is a fundamental ingredient of ramen.
Everyone was able to come up with their own unique ideas and put them on paper. It’s interesting to see how all their ideas came together and how their dishes inspired what they drew.
The MOSHI MOSHI Friends left feeling satisfied after their tasty food at Kourakuen and being engrossed in their work.
Submissions for the contest close at 23:59 (JST) on Friday October 25. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in your drawing skills as Japanese illustrator Shashamin will take your idea and add any finishing touches to your design and colouring. Anyone and everyone are encouraged to get involved.
*All listed prices of the menu items include tax
*Select branches may not stock select menu options listed in this article
*To see the full menu, please visit Kourakuen’s official website at https://www.kourakuen.co.jp/
Models: Etsuna, Naomi, ChiMy, Peter, Sammy, Daniel
Writer: Ellie (MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON)
Photographer: pon
Translator: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Next » MOSHI MOSHI BOX Questionnaire to 100 Foreigners: #2 “Where are you heading to next in Tokyo?”
Information
Kourakuen’s Child Character Design Contest
Summary: Kourakuen is a ramen chain loved by families, so to celebrate the restaurant’s 65th anniversary it has created the Kourakuen Family, a family who now serve as the mascots for the chain. The competition asks people to draw the Mama and Papa a child to complete the family, who is also the main character.
Prize: ¥300,000 travel money with JTB and ¥200,000 prize money
Running: September 24, 2019 at 10:00 (JST) – October 25, 2019 at 23:59 (JST)
Applying/Submitting
①Follow Kourakuen on Twitter@kourakuen_pr and post your illustration with the hashtag #幸楽苑ファミリー along with the name of your character. Illustrations must be in JPEG format and be less than 2mb.
②Upload your illustration to the campaign website along with the name of your character.
（https://www.kourakuen.co.jp/pr/campaign201909/character
*Your illustration must be coloured. You are free to draw whatever ideas you like. Submissions can be digital art or hand-drawn art.
*If doing a hand drawn illustration, please ensure your photo is taken in a brightly-lit room so it can be seen clearly.
*Each participant can draw as many drawings as they like. However, only one character will be accepted from a submission.
Submission Necessities: You must ensure the following 2 items are included in your submission. If you forget to include both, your submission will not be accepted.
①Character illustration (JPEG)
②Character name
*You may include how you conceived the character along with your drawing process, but this it not mandatory.
The winning entry will be posted on Kourakuen’s official website and social media platforms 1 month after submissions close. Time frame is subject to change. Please make sure all the information and required items are included before submitting.
Contest Details (Japanese): https://www.kourakuen.co.jp/pr/campaign201909/character
RECOMMENDED ENTRIES
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Hi, everyone. I’m Shiota, the director of the MOSHI MOSHI BOX.
This is the second entry to our already-popular series where we ask questions to 100 foreigners. We give questionnaires about Japan to foreign tourists that come into the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.
The 2nd question we asked people was “Where are you heading to next in Tokyo?” Let’s take a look at the answers!
1st Place: Shibuya (34 Votes)
The most popular answer was Shibuya, which got more than double that of the 2nd place rank. It’s common to see lots of foreign tourists taking photos of Shibuya’s famous Scramble Crossing. In the questionnaire answers, a lot of people were planning to go there for fashion and shopping.
I really love shopping. ―Karymoon, Mexico
・I’ve always wanted to try going to 109! I love fashion. ―Brigitte, France
・I’m off to buy clothes. If you’re going from Harajuku you can walk there [Shibuya] and stroll while window shopping. ―liu, China
2nd Place: Asakusa (13 Votes)
Asakusa is popular for its traditional townscape. There was an overwhelming number of people on their way to Sensou-ji Temple. Asakusa is a great for accessing other great sightseeing spots too like Skytree and Ueno.
I want to see the beautiful, traditional streets. ―Anonymous, US
・I’m collecting goshuin from shrines, so I’m going to the famous temple of Asakusa. ―LEE SUU JUNG, Taiwan
・I like the traditional culture of Japan. I go to Asakusa every time I come to Japan. ―Anonymous, US
3rd Place: Ueno (12 Votes)
Coming close to a tie with Asakusa is Ueno. Ueno is filled with lots of fun places to visit, like museums and the zoo, making it a great place to spend the day.
I heard that the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park are beautiful, so I’m going to go there. ―Celine, France
・I’m thinking about going to the zoo and Ueno Park. ―Kati, Australia
・I like pandas, so I’m going to go and see Ueno Zoo. ―Bianca, ItalyOther Answers:
Akihabara
I love anime! If we’re talking anime merchandise, then it’s “Akiba,” right? ―Jackson, UKIkebukuro
Ikebukuro is the haven for female otaku. It’s also the best since there are so many cosplay events there. ―Anonymous, US
Ginza
I like the stylish streets. I’m gonna go there to shop. ―Adre, Portgual
Tsukiji
I love sushi! I’m going to go and eat delicious sashimi at Tsukiji. I want to experience the unique atmosphere too.
Shinjuku
I’m going to the big UNIQLO, museum and Hanazono Shrine found only in Shinjuku. ―Anonymous, Australia
Tokyo Tower
It looks fun. It’s a famous place in Japan, isn’t it? ―Sue, US
Did you enjoy this questionnaire? Travelers have a surprisingly similar mindset to that of Japanese people when it comes to having fun in Tokyo.
If you have any questions about anything or topics you want us to cover then please send us a message on our Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/msmsnippon/
We’ll continue to hold more questionnaires with foreign tourists at the MOSHI MOSHI BOX, so be sure to drop by to see us if you’re in Harajuku!
■MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center
MOSHI MOSHI BOX is a tourist information center located at the cross road of Takeshita Street, Meiji Street, and Harajuku Street. The staff there are experts on the Harajuku area. You can get the most up-to-date news of Harajuku from the site.
Services:
Service list
・free wi-fi
・free water
・free PC & charge
・baggage room
・gift shop
・currency exchange
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00
Closed: The year-end and New Year holidays
Contact: 03-2225-6447
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A new ramen food zone called Ramen Gekisenku Tokyo Marunouchi is set to open in KITTE GRANCHE, a shop and restaurant area located on floor B1F of KITTE Marunouchi, on March 5, 2019.
The new gourmet area will be filled by popular ramen restaurants and long-standing ramen eateries that have been picked up by the media multiple times. The Marunouchi area is connected directly to Tokyo Station making it easily accessible for ramen lovers. There will be no preparation time from opening to closing meaning customers can enjoy the restaurant at both lunch and dinnertime.
Chuka Soba Fukumi (中華そば 福味)
Fukumi is a famous restaurant expanded to New York in 2007 and even made it into the New York Times. The ramen broth is made with whole Shigentori chickens―a brand of chicken. And by using RO water, a type of water that removes impurities, the full delicious flavour of the chicken is brought to the palette. The bowl is made with a refreshing and full-bodied broth and a rich hot water soup. The noodles are homemade using Waka, a wheat flour made in Hokkaido that ensures good texture that slides down the throat well.
Matsudo Tomita Menban (松戸富田麺絆)
Tsukemen noodles are the standard eaten at this restaurant managed by restaurant owner Tomita. They are known for their pork bone and seafood broth and incredible homemade noodles. The owner himself appeared in the documentary Ramen Heads which received coverage worldwide. He has served ramen at an overseas film festival and has even been called “the absolute king of the ramen world.”
Tokyo Style Miso Ramen Do Miso (東京スタイルみそらーめん ど・みそ)
Do Miso specialises in miso ramen and since opening in Tokyo has gone on to serve ramen made with a sweet and full-bodied broth containing rich red miso. The miso used is an original blend of five miso varieties such as Edoama Miso and Shinshu Miso. The soup is a mix of two soups: one made with meat such as pork and chicken and a Japanese-style made with kombu, shiitake mushrooms, mackerel and skipjack tuna. The noodles were made to complement the miso – they are flat curly noodles made with tapioca.
Shisen Tantanmen Aun (四川担担麺 阿吽)
With its main branch based in Yushima, Aun is often called Tokyo’s number one amongst fans of tan tan noodles. This restaurant is credited with creating a boom with its broth-less tan tan noodle dishes. It is made with homemade raayu red chili oil and Sichuan pepper. There are seven spice levels to choose from that range from 0 to 6. The restaurant’s recommended level is 3. The 6th level is open only to those who have cleared the 5th, making this restaurant popular not only amongst ramen lovers but spice-seekers too.
Hakata Yatai Ramen Ikkousha (博多屋台ラーメン 一幸舎)
Ikkousha has expanded to 9 countries overseas in Asia. By cooking their rice with large quantities of pork bones, the soup becomes rich and creamy which when spooned into the mouth instantly bursts with delicious flavour. This dish respects the tradition of tonkotsu ramen while evolving it. It is a street food style ramen that has been loved by the people of Hakata for years.
If ever you’re in Tokyo be sure to pop on over to KITTE Marunouchi to try the ramen of many famous restaurants.
Information
Ramen Gekisenku Tokyo Marunouchi
Grand Opening: March 5, 2019 at 11:00 (JST)
Address: KITTE GRANCHE, KITTE Marunouchi Floor B1F (JP Tower, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo)
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 / Weekends 11:00-21:00
Restaurants: 5
KITTE GRANCHE
Address: JP Tower, 2-7-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Restaurants: 11:00-23:00 (until 22:00 on Sundays and holidays)
Grocery Zone: 10:00-21:00 (until 20:00 on Sundays and holidays)
Seijo Ishii: 8:00-22:00 (until 22:00 on Weekends and holidays)
*Business hours may differ at certain shops.
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It’s not just Ichiran and Ippudo – there are more places around the world that serve the Japanese standard of Ramen! Today we’re introducing 6!
Ramen has become a recent hit with foreigners. That’s why today we’ll be introducing places outside of Japan where you can enjoy a nice bowl of ramen. This article is dedicated to ramen fans who cannot taste Japanese ramen in Japan.
Ichiran Ramen
The noodles are made using special wheat flour and a unique blend. The noodle makers have a hefty amount of experience, using the ultimate method to create a splendid experience for the customers with each mouthful. After extensive research by specialists, a secret technique was devised to enhance the flavour of the tonkostu broth. The main idea was formed by using chili peppers as a base and mixing this with 30 different ingredients. The broth is left to mature day and night. Ichiran is available in America, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
More information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/42485
■Information
Ichiran official website: https://ichiran.com
Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta
According to Michelin Guide Tokyo 2016, this is the first ramen shop in the world to receive a Michelin star. The owner Onishi Yuki uses simple and original ingredients and an original preparation method to make this much-adored ramen. The store has taken a step forward and opened its first chain at Pacific Plaza in Singapore!
Find out more information here: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/19901
■Information
Ippudo
Ippudo serves up Hakata ramen, which originates from Fukuoka. Anyone can easily finish off these servings, and the restaurant is stylish and clean. The characteristic and filling tonkotsu broth, and the rich, deep flavour of the soup is a result of extensive research. There are branches in America, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, England and France.
More information:
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/45999
http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/7130
■Information
Ippudo official website：http://www.ippudo.com
Ajisen Ramen
The special feature of this Kumamoto ramen is the brown tare sauce called senmiyu that accompanies the Kumamoto tonkotsu ramen. This adds a deep flavour to the white soup broth. Garlic, which is an essential feature of Kumamoto ramen, is a prominent flavour. There are Ajisen Ramen shops in China and Taiwan. It is a particularly big hit in China.
■Information
Ajisen Ramen official site：http://www.aji1000.co.jp
Santouka
This ramen originated in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. At all chains within Japan and in foreign countries, the soup is made from scratch starting from stage one. Ingredients are specially selected and prepared, producing a flavour that is satisfying despite the reduced usage of salt. The Shio-ramen is presented to represent a slim woman with rosy red tinted skin. The restaurant boasts the cloudy tonkotsu soup, which customers drink up to the very last drop. There are chains in Canada, America, Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.
Ramen Nagi
This ramen is known nationwide for its rich and unique soup blend that is made up of over 20 varieties of niboshi dried sardines. The fisherman who caught the sardines explained how to prepare the iwashi extract. Many varieties of flavourings are combined. The shop boasts the irresistible spicy flavour produced by maturing the ramen broth for a few days. There are Ramen Nagi chains in Taiwan, the Philippines, Hong Kong and China.
■Information
Ramen Nagi official website：http://www.n-nagi.com
Hakata Choten
Hakata Choten originated from Fukuoka and Kumamoto and eventually opened a shop in France. According to ratings on the popular rating blog (https://cecj2.com/ ) and many other sources, this is the best place for both Gyoza and ramen and holds the throne as the no.1 ramen shop. This is the first ramen shop to ever be opened in Paris, serving customers with 1.3 times the amount of thin ramen noodles as the Japanese shop. The ramen broth is prepared by boiling it for over 24 hours. This produces a strong tasting tonkotsu ramen broth. This is authentic Hakata ramen.
The intense flavour of the tonkotsu broth is perfect for the authentic Hakata ramen. Customers can choose the hardness of their noodles (soft, al dente or a bit harder), and the soup flavour (mild, normal or intense) . This customer service reflects authentic Japanese service, allowing Parisians to enjoy the humble service of a Japanese shop.
■Information
So, how about it? Next time you’re looking to enjoy the flavours of Japan in your own country, or whether you’re somewhere else in the world, try out these places!
Translator: Samantha Fernandes
RELATED ENTRIES
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The Yo-Kai Express ramen vending machine at Haneda Airport has introduced two new menu items in collaboration with the popular ramen chain Ippudo! Guests can now enjoy Ippudo’s Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen and Ippudo’s Plant-based Tonkotsu-style Ramen.
Guests can also enjoy Chicken Yuzu Shio Ramen, Tokyo Shoyu Ramen, Kyushu Tonkotsu Ramen, and Sapporo Spicy Miso Ramen. Each order only takes 90 seconds to prepare, so if you’re rushing to chow down before your flight, this is the way to go!
*Yo-Kai Express is a start-up company headquartered in Silicon Valley developing ramen vending machines. The company’s name comes from the word yokai (monsters) and reflects the brand’s desire to entertain people whenever and wherever they are.
Information
Yo-Kai Express x Ippudo Collaboration Menu
Location: Haneda Airport Terminal 2, 1F – Gourmet 24 Vending Machine Restaurant
Menu:
Ippudo Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen: ¥980 (Tax Included)
Ippudo Plant-Based Tonkotsu-style Ramen: ¥980 (Tax Included)
Chicken Yuzu Shio / Tokyo Shoyu / Kyushu Tonkotsu /
Sapporo Spicy Miso: ¥790 each (Tax Included) -
In conjunction with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s 31-show nationwide tour celebrating her 10th anniversary, the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project was launched to energize Japan through the appeal of regional towns and cities. At each stop, Kyary collaborates with a local company to help bring more attention to smaller regions and businesses. The details of the artist’s collaboration project in Fukushima have been revealed ahead of Kyary’s performance there on May 20, 2022.
In Fukushima, Kyary is teaming up with Kourakuen, one of Japan’s leading ramen chains dating back to 1954. For this collaboration’s logo, Kourakuen’s logo has been transformed as an homage to Kyary’s 2012 song Fashion Monster. The fan-favorite track has appeared in ad campaigns and is a must-play for the singer at concerts!
Known for its tasty ramen and gyoza, Kourakuen has been a local favorite for almost 70 years. While the menu hasn’t changed too much since the early days, the chain is known for releasing some unique offerings, like chocolate Ramen on Valentine’s Day and natto miso ramen this spring.
For this collaboration, fans can grab a branded Ramen Monster Spoon, perfect for slurping up your favorite bowl of ramen.
Those who want to grab this item will want to head to the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project online store by May 29. The spoon will also be sold in limited quantities at the Iwaki Aryan Arts & Culture Exchange Center Lobby in Fukushima on May 20.
A collaborative T-shirt is also on sale featuring the new logo and the singer’s 10th-anniversary logo. It will be available on the LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project online store until May 29!
Information
Kourakuen (Fukushima) x LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project
Ramen Monster Spoon
Price: ¥1,000 (Tax Included)
Available: May 16 – May 29, 2022
Where to Buy:
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online Shop
Available until May 29 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/May 20, 15:30~
Iwaki Aryan Arts & Culture Exchange Center LobbyCollaboration T-shirt
Price: ¥3,300 (Tax Included)
Where to Buy:
LOCAL POWER JAPAN Project Online ShopAvailable until May 29 at 23:59
https://store-localpowerjapan.com/
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teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, located in Toyosu, Tokyo, have completed the refurbishment of their outdoor food stand, opening Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo on October 8 2021. The new shop allows customers to eat vegan ramen from Kyoto in a new art space from teamLab. In addition, the teamLab Flower Shop & Art will be opening, a shop where customers can purchase orchids previously used in one of the group’s art pieces to take home with them.
Menu
Vegan Ramen Flower (Cool): ¥1,980 (Tax Incl.)
Vegan Ramen Tea: ¥1,650 (Tax Incl.)
Vegan Ramen Soy Sauce: ¥1,320 (Tax Incl.)
Vegan Ramen Miso (Spicy): ¥1,320 (Tax Incl.)
Newly Released Works
Reversible Rotation – Non-Objective Space, teamLab, 2021
Table of Sky and Fire, teamLab Architects, 2021
Floating Flower Garden: Flower, Myself and Cognate, Garden and Myself as One
teamLab Planets Original Tote Bag
The menu at Vegan Ramen UZU uses no animal products like meat or fish, instead condensing the taste of vegetables into a delicious ramen that you can enjoy in a space designed by teamLab. Vegan Ramen UZU Kyoto first opened in March 2020 to great popularity, with many customers queuing for over an hour to get inside the store.
At the new Tokyo store, customers can enjoy a bowl of vegan ramen while enjoying teamLab’s latest art installations, the Non-Objective Space and the Table of Sky and Fire.
Not only that, you can also take home some of the orchids used in the Floating Flower Garden: Flower, Myself and Cognate, Garden and Myself as One exhibit that was held from July 2, along with a section of teamLab merchandise such as stickers, patches, postcards, and more, at the newly opened teamLab Flower Shop & Art store.
Look forward to tasting this healthy ramen while immersed in an artistic space!
Information
Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo
Opening Date: October 8 2021
Location: teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
teamLab Planets: https://teamlabplanets.dmm.com/
Official Site: https://vegan-uzu.com/
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Gion’s Tatsumi Bridge, a picturesque area plucked straight from a painting. From there, continue south and into the backstreets, you’ll find the popular Kyoto Ramen store, Ramen Muraji.
The bridge takes you over the Shirakawa River which flows into Lake Biwa, with the connecting street spanning a distance of only 180m, with paths the width of three adults. Once you head into the alley, the scenery will completely change.
The asphalt becomes cobblestone, surrounded by Kyoto-style lattice windows. Here you’ll find Ramen Muraji, located in a renovated 100 year old Kyoto-style building, perfectly blending into its surroundings.
At first glance you wouldn’t believe it to be hiding a ramen shop, with many people calling their discovery of the shop a once-in-a-lifetime encounter as they wander the streets of Gion.
The back alleys of Gion retain the history of Kyoto, with hidden shops shrouded by curtains, gently glowing lanterns, and carefully handwritten signboards. Each spot has been crafted to become a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with those who visit.
Ramen Muraji was built in the alley
Tatsumi Bridge, an area famous for retaining the distinctive Gion look.
Muraji’s Speciality White Chicken Ramen
Gion has been popular with Kyoto tourists for years, surrounded by attractive buildings and cityscapes. Located here is the Yasaka Shrine, a world heritage site which hosts the annual Gion Summer Festival.
While the locals rarely explore the area, Gion is full of traditional beauty that has inspired many novels, maintaining the culture and history that has been passed down for generations.
Why not relive the splendor of Gion at Ramen Muraji, a shop that was born 、
With its long history and culture that weaves towns, humans, and spirits together, why not relive the splendor of Gion with a historical cup of Muraji ramen?
Ramen Muraji is a space where anybody can enjoy ramen, surrounded by Kyoto-style interior decor and Japanese-style decorations.
Their chicken ramen, boiled in a plain water soup, boasts a selection of carefully selected ingredients that condenses the taste of Kyoto’s unique food culture. Kyoto Sake matched to the flavor of the ramen is also available.
Enjoy the charms of Kyoto’s food for yourself at Ramen Muraji.
Information
Ramen Muraji Gion Store
Address: 373-3, Kitomoto-cho, Higashiyama, Kyoto City, Kyoto
TEL: 075-744-1144
※Covid-19 Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 ~ 20:00 (L.O 19:45)
Business Hours:
Lunch: 11:30 ~ 15:00
Dinner: 17:00 ~ 22:00
Weekend, holidays: 11:30 ~ 22:00
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As a company aiming to bring a new kind of happiness to many people, Ramen Kourakuen have announced their new slogan: All New Happy!
In order to spread the message even further, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has been appointed as Kourakuen’s new CKO – Chief Korekara (Future) Officer.
Their new goal is to work towards each step of the New Happy 5 Plan in order to spread cheer across Japan.
Plus, a new Kourakuen commercial featuring Kyary Pamyu Pamyu will be released nationwide.
The special commercial will be promoting the new student discount set, where students will be able to enjoy ramen meals for ¥550 on weekdays, plus the mobile order service which allows customers to order their ramen in advance, meaning it’ll be ready when you arrive.
The students and workers shown in the commercial are so satisfied that their face morphs into Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s as she dons the Kourakuen logo on her cheek. Make sure to check out Kyary’s China themed hair and costume!
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of Japanese ramen restaurant chain Tenkaippin. To celebrate, they have joined hands with men’s apparel brand MONO-MART to release a collection of ramen-inspired t-shirts in collaboration with Japanese illustrator Isogai Hitohisa. The limited-edition collection dropped on ZOZOTOWN on June 10.
Tenkaippin | Comment
“Thanks to all of our customers, Tenkaippin turns 50-years-old this year. It’s a turning point for us, and so we’ve decided to develop products in collaboration with an apparel brand for the first time. We hope it helps to spread word of the Tenkaippin name amongst the youth. Designs include photos of when we first opened, illustrations drawn for us, and more. Please enjoy Tenkaippin through these super rare tees!”
Each t-shirt in this collection is branded with Tenkaippin’s logo along with their ‘KOTTERI’ logo. There’s another with a photo of the brand’s legendary founder Tsutomu Kimura, another with the encouraging message ‘Righht effort,’ and more. Other designs include illustrations by Isogai Hitohisa on the back, various photos, and so on.
Information
Tenkaippin x MONO-MART
Released: June 10, 2021
Buy Here: https://zozo.jp/search/?p_tpcsid=1445757
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Kamo Dashi Chuka Soba ROKU is a new ramen restaurant set to open at GOOD NATURE STATION, a shopping facility in Kyoto, on December 12, 2020.
The restaurant is produced by Yuki Iwasaki, a chef at VELROSIER which acquired its first Michelin Star in Michelin Guide 2021 Kyoto, Osaka & Okayama. It will serve ramen in a variety of duck-flavoured dashi broths made with duck from Kyoto and France.
Duck Sei Tanmen | ¥1,000
Duck Shiro Tanmen | ¥1,000ROKU will initially offer three types of ramen dishes which includes the two pictured above as well as a special served each season. The Duck Sei Tanmen uses a broth made from a blend of duck meats and has a distinctly refreshing yet rich taste. The Duck Shiro Tanmen uses the same broth but adds chicken to the base together with mayu burnt garlic oil. The restaurant also makes its own thick noodles to enjoy with the soup. No tare sauce is used, allowing for customers to enjoy the umami flavour of the dashi and the various ingredients added.
The ramen bowls used are original wares created by TOKINOHA, a Japanese crockery brand specialising in traditional Kiyomizu ware which are perfect for enjoying your ramen.
Information
Kamo Dashi Chuka Soba ROKU (Japanese Name: 鴨出汁中華そば ROKU)
Grand Opening: December 12, 2020
Address: GOOD NATURE STATION Floor 2F, 318-6 Inaricho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11:30-20:00
No Fixed Holidays
Official Website: https://goodnaturestation.com -
MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen, a ramen restaurant in Kyoto that’s particularly popular with foreigners in Japan, is expanding overseas by opening a new branch on the 5th floor of Singapore Orchard in Singapore on November 24, 2020.
MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen
Menbaka first opened in 1984 and has gone on to become a popular ramen bar, focusing on the use of green onion in its dishes for its flavour and fragrance enhancement. In recent years, the Kyoto branch has seen a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors to Japan dining at the restaurant, and in 2017 it ranked number six in the country on Tripadvisor as the most popular restaurant in Japan with foreigners. It has gone on to be reported on in news and media outlets, including the video created by the Japan National Tourism Organization as part of its global campaign.
MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen Singapore
The Singapore branch will open as a franchise of SOUTH EAST ASIA FOOD ENTERTAINMENT PTE. LTD. with carefully-selected suppliers and ingredients to ensure the taste is as close to the Japanese as possible. The restaurant will serve not only ramen but food entertainment as well.
Singapore Orchard, where the restaurant is opening, is a shopping mall and major tourist destination of Singapore. Like other countries around the world, Singapore is having to restrict the number of foreigners entering the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic which has also led to restaurants limiting the number of available tables, social distancing measures being put in place, and so on. The restaurant’s opening date was originally scheduled for April 2020 but was postponed due to the pandemic so its grand opening is now scheduled for November 24.
If you’re in Singapore and want to try some authentic Japanese ramen at the same time, be sure to visit MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen.
Information
MENBAKA Kyoto Fire Ramen
Address: Cineleisure Orchard 5F, 8 Grange Rd, Singapore 239695
TEL: +65-6970-8408
Opening Hours: 12:00-21:00
No Fixed Holidays -
KADOKAWA revamped and reopened the eat-in restaurant at Narita Airport’s Narita Anime Deck on October 27. Visitors can now look forward to dining at Zenkoku Gensen! Aji no Tabi Ramen Walker.”
The Narita Anime Deck opened inside Narita International Airport Terminal 2 in November 2019. It’s an entertainment facility where travellers from around the world can experience and enjoy Japanese anime culture in various forms such as with character merchandise, food, events, and a variety of photo spots.
The new dine-in restaurant features a long ramen menu of ramen dishes carefully selected by Ramen Walker, Japan’s biggest information site for ramen. There are nine strictly-selected dishes to choose from, as well as over 50 ramens for people to buy and take home with them.
The menu will change its line-up from time to time
Customers can order any of the nine ramen dishes on their own, or they can order from several set menus which enables them to taste different ramen dishes from around Japan. There are also over 20 ramen toppings to choose from, so guests are sure to be spoilt for choice.
The restaurant will also sell their own range of exclusive ramen-related merchandise.
But that’s not all, as Ramen Walker Chicken is also set to open at Tokorozawa Sakura Town in Saitama on November 6 as the world’s first booking-style facility where you can book a table at the most popular ramen bars across Japan.
Information
Narita Anime Deck
Address: Narita International Airport Terminal 2 Main Building Floor 2F (1-1 Furugome, Narita, Chiba)
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 (Food Last Orders 19:30)
No Fixed Holidays
Ramen Walker Chicken
Address: Tokorozawa Sakura Town 2F, 3 Chome HigashitokorozawawadaTokorozawa, Saitama
TEL: 0429-68-7786Narita Anime Deck Official Website: https://www.animedeck.jp/ja/narita/
Ramen Walker Chicken Official Website: https://ramen.walkerplus.com/kitchen/ -
Kourakuen Holdings Corporation launched a collaboration campaign together with Sanrio’s popular character Hello Kitty on September 26 which is set to run to October 25.
Hello Kitty takes over Kourakuen
For the duration of the collaboration, the Roppongi and Dogenzaka branches of Kourakuen will be decorated in all things Hello Kitty
Free folder with child meal sets
A free and exclusive A4 size folder will be given to all who order the children’s meal set. This is available at select branches only and the folders are limited in stock.
Kourakuen original merchandise
Kourakuen x Hello Kitty Soy Sauce Plate | ¥200 (Tax Included)
Kourakuen x Hello Kitty Folder | ¥100 (Tax Included)
A special line-up of original and exclusive merchandise will also be sold at all Kourakuen branches including soy sauce plates, folders, and more.
Information
Kourakuen Official Website: https://www.rakuten.co.jp/kourakuen-hd/
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New York-based ramen bar Kuro-Obi has announced that it’s opening it first Japanese branch in the food hall of Shibuya’s new shopping centre RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK on August 4, 2020.
Kuro-Obi was established in New York back in 2014. To date, it has opened 6 branches across the US as well as one branch in Singapore. It specialises in “tori paitan”, a silky chicken-base broth. The new Japanese ramen bar will serve many different tori paitan ramen dishes takeout style, which is common in the US. All ramen served here is served in paper cups rather than bowls, so it can be eaten both in the food hall or taken away.
Added to the rich soup broth and noodles is moist chicken char siu, soft-boiled egg, negi spring onion, and fried onion chips. The black pepper used adds a kick to the overall flavour. Thick noodles are also used.
“Ramen is Freedom” is the theme of Kuro-Obi’s brand in Japan, with which they aim to challenge the new possibilities of ramen.
Information
Kuro-Obi MIYASHITA PARK
Grand Opening: August 4, 2020
Address: MIYASHITA PARK South 3F FOOD HALL, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya, TokyoOpening Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last Orders 22:30)
Official Website: https://kuroobi-ramen.com/
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Japanese snack company Oyatsu Town is opening a new “town-style” theme park inside the Namba Parks shopping complex in Osaka on October 2, 2020 called “Little Oyatsu Town Namba” which will be themed around Oyatsu Town’s timeless Japanese dried noodle snack “Baby Star Ramen.”
When the theme park opens, it will be taking all necessary precautions against COVID-19 to ensure guests have a safe experience.
Hoshio-kun Kitchen: Make your own Baby Star Ramen
In the Hoshio-kun Kitchen area, you will be able to choose favourite seasonings to create your very own personal Baby Star Ramen snack. Guests will also be able to make steamed bread to season too.
Hoshio-kun Fantasy Park: The amusement area
At Hoshio-kun Fantasy Park, kids and adults alike can enjoy Baby Star in a variety of interactive digital content, from music to videos, controlling your own avatar, and more.
Baby Star Dining: Enjoy lunch and dinner in the food area
Baby Star Dining features a menu arranged by pro chefs. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or cafe time. At dinner, alcohol is served too.
Oyatsu Deli: The takeout corner
Here, you can order curry bread, steamed buns, and other freshly-made tasty takeout food made using Baby Star.
Oyatsu Marche: The marketplace
At the Oyatsu Marche market, guests can get their hands on exclusive Baby Star Ramen flavours, merchandise, stationery, and more.
Bookings will open in September before the grand opening of Little Oyatsu Town Namba on October 2, 2020.
Information
Little Oyatsu Town Namba
Address: Namba Parks 7F, 2-10-70 Nanbanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Grand Opening: October 2, 2020 (Subject to change)
Opening Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Subject to change)
No Fixed Holidays
Entry: Free (Select services will charge however)
Access: 7-minutes on foot from Namba Station via the south-south ticket gates of the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line or the central ticket gates of the Nankai Electric Railway / 9-minutes on foot from Osaka-Namba Station via the east ticket gates of the Nara LineOfficial Website: http://oyatsu.town/
