Ramen tech: Humble noodles feed innovation in Japan

Growing market inspires new products by Daikin, Fuji Oil and others

20250116N vegan ramen

Developing vegan ramen is one of a number of adjustments ramen shops have made to attract foreign tourists. (Photo by Arisa Mizukami)

NARUSHI NAKAI and ARISA MIZUKAMI, Nikkei staff writers

OSAKA -- A favorite among locals and tourists alike, ramen is driving technological advances across industry lines in Japan.

Air conditioner maker Daikin is helping ramen shops and factories protect their units with a special filter, responding to longtime complaints that flour suspended in the air from the noodle-making process was making air conditioners less effective or even breaking them.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.