Yamagata prefecture, which leads Japan in ramen shops per capita, serves up a wide range of varieties. (Yamagata Ramen No. 1 Project)
KURAHIRO SEGUCHI and HIROTAKA MIZUKURA, Nikkei staff writers |
TOKYO/NIIGATA, Japan — Japan has no shortage of ramen restaurants. But for some smaller cities, it’s more than a meal. It’s a source of hope.
Popular with Japanese and foreign tourists alike, the dish has become a part of promotional campaigns designed to attract visitors and bring new life to local economies.
