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Manga Offer a Window on Japan’s Noodle Evolution

  • The long-time baseline for ramen in Japan has been the so-called Chūka soba, or “Chinese noodles,” using a soy sauce flavor base, but now there are so many varieties they’re almost beyond classification. (© Pixta.)

    The long-time baseline for ramen in Japan has been the so-called Chūka soba, or “Chinese noodles,” using a soy sauce flavor base, but now there are so many varieties they’re almost beyond classification. (© Pixta.)

  • Ichiran, a chain popular with tourists visiting Japan from overseas, has started expanding abroad, with shops in New York and elsewhere. The style of eating at a counter with dividers between the seats caused a buzz when first introduced in Japan. (© Kyōdō)

    Ichiran, a chain popular with tourists visiting Japan from overseas, has started expanding abroad, with shops in New York and elsewhere. The style of eating at a counter with dividers between the seats caused a buzz when first introduced in Japan. (© Kyōdō)

  • Serizawa has become such a popular character in the work that he’s now on t-shirts and other merchandise. (© Cospa; © Kube Rokurō, Kawai Tan, and Shōgakukan)

    Serizawa has become such a popular character in the work that he’s now on t-shirts and other merchandise. (© Cospa; © Kube Rokurō, Kawai Tan, and Shōgakukan)

  • In April 2023, members of the National Diet established the Ramen Culture Promotion Diet Caucus, seeking to encourage regional revitalization through local ramen. (© Jiji)

    In April 2023, members of the National Diet established the Ramen Culture Promotion Diet Caucus, seeking to encourage regional revitalization through local ramen. (© Jiji)

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