「Takumen Ramen Awards 2024」 Honoring Japan’s World-Class Ramen Restaurants

Tokyo Japan, December 13, 2024 – Gourmet X Corp. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Fumihide Tomizawa), which operates Japan’s No.1 premier frozen ramen online restaurant “Takumen.com”, held the “Takumen Ramen Awards 2024” award ceremony on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The event “TAKUMEN Ramen Award 2024” combines the legacy of 13 years of ““Takumen.com” Ramen Category” and three years of “JAPAN BEST RAMEN AWARDS” into a new and comprehensive ramen award. It is one of Japan’s largest ramen award ceremonies, aimed at fostering the further growth of Japan’s ramen culture.

◾️The “Best Ramen in Japan” Category, Chosen by Renowned Ramen Restaurants Chefs
Based on a survey of 1,000 renowned ramen restaurant owners across Japan, asking which ramen restaurants they truly consider the best, we are proud to announce the winners: PLATINUM (10 restaurants), GOLD (23 restaurants), and SILVER (61 restaurants). This lineup showcases the very best ramen establishments in Japan.

“PLATINUM” Winners（10 restaurants）（Listed in Japanese alphabetical order）

・Iekei Sohonzan Ramen Yoshimuraya (Yokohama, Kanagawa)
The originator of Iekei-style Ramen, Yoshimuraya continues to evolve under its motto, “The customer is our master of flavor.”

“At nearly 80 years old, I feel like this might be my last big effort. Being invited to such an occasion today leaves me overwhelmed with emotion. Takumen, you’re giving dreams and hope to the younger generation—it’s incredible. Everything I’ve earned has been through ramen. I’ve experienced bankruptcy twice, but even so, I was able to rebuild my life with ramen. It truly is a wonderful profession. Thank you very much for today.”

・Eifukucho Taishoken (Suginami, Tokyo)
A timeless classic with its motto, “A bowl you’ll never forget.” Despite changing times, their traditional taste remains steadfast.

“I am deeply honored to receive such high praise from my peers. This recognition gives me confidence that our efforts are on the right path. We will continue striving to delight customers and create happiness for our team.”

・Kadoya Shokudo Honten (Osaka, Osaka)
“A leading figure in Osaka’s Chintan* ramen, this restaurant uses the finest ingredients sourced from all over Japan to create a bowl of ramen crafted through self-taught expertise. Its pursuit of the ultimate bowl draws customers from across the country.
*Chintan refers to a clear broth carefully prepared at a temperature just below boiling to extract a clean and delicate flavor.”

・Chuka Soba Shibata (Komae, Tokio)
Celebrated for its simplicity and timeless flavor, Shibata’s ramen has earned the admiration of chefs nationwide.

“Thank you very much. We will continue to provide ramen that satisfies more and more customers, staying true to our philosophy.”

・Chuka Soba Tomita (Matsudo, Chiba)
Hailed as the “King of Tsukemen,” Tomita’s dedication to every bowl inspires both fans and fellow ramen chefs.

“We address challenges in the ramen industry and prepare for international expansion next year, I’m excited to share Japanese ramen with the world. Please keep supporting us by enjoying more ramen!”

・Teuchi Homura (Nasu-Shiobara, Tochigi Prefecture)
A prominent ramen restaurant in northern Kanto, “Hand-Kneaded Flame” preserves the rich tradition of Shirakawa-style* ramen while continually striving for perfection through relentless effort and research.
*Shirakawa-style Ramen” refers to the renowned ramen from Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture, a well-known ramen hotspot in Japan. It is characterized by its chewy handmade noodles and richly flavored broth.

“I am deeply moved to receive such a prestigious award. This year, my father, based in Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture, won first place in an official ramen competition, making it already a remarkable year. But to receive this Platinum award as the finale is beyond my dreams. I am truly surprised and honored. I will continue to work even harder moving forward, and I sincerely thank you all.”

・Tora Shokudo (Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture)
The epitome of Shirakawa-style ramen, renowned nationwide for its handmade noodles. Fans from across Japan flock to this iconic establishment.

・Harukiya Ogikubo Honten (Suginami, Tokio)
With over 70 years of history, this long-established restaurant is a hallmark of nostalgia, consistently recognized for its excellence.

“Receiving such an incredible award is a tremendous joy for Harukiya. This year marks the fourth year since I inherited the business from the Imamura family, the original owners. I feel this award validates our commitment to preserving Harukiya’s 70-year legacy. Both our staff and I are truly delighted. We will continue creating ramen that upholds this prestigious name.”

・Motenashi Kuroki (Taito, Tokio)
This Asakusabashi-based restaurant serves exquisitely crafted ramen, recognized globally as a symbol of a new era in the ramen world. Patrons line up daily to experience its unparalleled flavors.

“Thank you for this wonderful award. Since the end of the pandemic, many international visitors have returned, with some showing us photos from their last visit, saying, ‘I’ve come back!’ Seeing overseas guests travel to Japan just to enjoy ramen is a testament to its cultural and culinary significance. I will continue to do my part to promote ramen and make it even more popular for the sake of Japan.”

・Ramen Iida Shoten (Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Known as Japan’s most difficult ramen reservation to secure, Iida Shoten offers bowls crafted by the dedicated artisan Shota Iida, creating an experience everyone should try at least once in their lifetime.

“ I believe ramen is evolving from being Japan’s national dish to becoming a global cuisine. This year, I had the opportunity to cook ramen overseas, and it reminded me of how much I owe to the groundwork, ingredients, and techniques built by the pioneers before me. Their teachings guide me today, and I strive to preserve and honor their legacy by delivering authentic ramen. I aim to reflect the history and wisdom of my predecessors in every bowl I serve. To the restaurant chefs and mentors who voted for me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

◾”Takumen.com” Ramen Category
Based on over 400 varieties of ramen sold on Takumen.com between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, rankings were determined across multiple categories. The Grand Awards winners are:

• Overall Grand Award (Hall of Fame):
“Stamina Soba” – Ganso Stamina Manten Ramen Suzuki (Mitaka, Tokyo)

• Newcomer Grand Award:
“Shijimi Clam Chuka Soba” – Shinji Lake Shijimi Clam Chuka Soba Kohaku (Ota, Tokyo)

• Ramen Grand Award:
“Miso Ramen” – Oshima (Edogawa, Tokyo)

• Tsukemen Grand Award:
“Rich Seafood Tsukemen” – Menya Itto (Katsushika, Tokyo)

• Maze-soba Grand Award:
“Salah Hiroshi Reform” – Ganso Stamina Manten Ramen Suzuki

• Inspiration Grand Award:
“Ramen” – Chibakara (Ichihara, Chiba; Hall of Fame)

• Newcomer Special Award:
“Scallop Kombu Water Tsukemen (White)” – Tokyo Style Noodle Hotate Biyori (Chiyoda, Tokyo)

About Takumen.com
Takumen.com delivers the authentic taste of Japan’s most renowned ramen restaurants directly to your door. Offering frozen ramen prepared without altering its original taste and with the same ingredients used in stores, Takumen.com has sold over 4 million servings to date, achieving the No.1 ranking in online ramen and tsukemen sales in Japan.* As of November 2024, Takumen.com partners with over 600 restaurants nationwide, offering around 1,300 varieties of ramen and serving over 540,000 members. Its reach is expanding to supermarkets, restaurants, and vending machines nationwide.
Official Website: https://www.takumen.com/
*Source: TPC Marketing Research, June 2024 survey.

Stores: https://www.takumen.com/statics/stores
Official X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/taku_men
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takumen_insta/
Gourmet X Corporation Official Website: https://gourmet-x.co.jp/

Gourmet X Corporation
President & CEO: Fumihide Tomizawa
Established: April 2010
Head Office: Tokyo Port City Takeshiba Office Tower, Minato-ku, Tokio
Corporate Website: https://gourmet-x.co.jp/