Japan’s Ramen Shops Are Shutting Down Faster Than Ever
Ramen shops have been struggling for years. But the combination of low prices and inflation is pushing more stores over the edge than ever.
By Francesca Annio
Japan’s facing a tough economic climate — inflation’s up, the yen’s down, and wages haven’t budged. Businesses can’t keep prices stable, and people can’t keep up with the hikes. This squeeze is hitting every corner of Japanese life, but one industry is really taking a hit: ramen shops. Many are struggling to stay afloat and are facing closure.
One by one
Ramen shop owners are sounding the alarm: business is not looking good. Despite ramen being a beloved national dish and a must-try for tourists, many ramen shops are now facing a rapid decline. The reason? Ongoing inflation, skyrocketing raw material prices, and a weak yen that have hit all industries hard — especially restaurants.
Ramen shops have weathered tough times before, so this didn’t happen overnight. Like many industries, they struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic, with 54 ramen businesses going bankrupt in 2020 alone. There was a brief lift with pandemic aid…
