Japan's ramen chains turn to suburbs, eyeing inflation-squeezed families

Hidakaya looks beyond Tokyo while Ippudo sees better profitability in outlying areas

Hiday Hidaka is focusing on smaller train stations and outlying areas beyond Japan's capital for new store openings. (Hiday Hidaka)

YUI SATO and FUMIKA NAKASHIMA, Nikkei staff writers

January 2, 2024 06:33 JST

TOKYO -- Japan's ramen shops are shifting their focus from urban areas and major train stations to the suburbs, where families feeling the pinch of inflation are looking for an affordable meal out.

Hiday Hidaka, which operates ramen stores as well as Chinese restaurants, plans to increase locations outside the Tokyo metropolitan area in a push to expand its network by 60% over the next decade.