– The mysterious relationship between Japanese people and cold ramen –
Have you ever seen this sign?
In summer, ramen shops around town put up handwritten signs that say:
‘Cold Chinese noodles now available’
‘…Huh? They just started? Why do they bother announcing it?’
This phrase is deeply ingrained in Japanese people as a symbol of summer, but it seems very strange to foreigners.
What is “Cold Chinese noodles”?
- A Japanese-style cold ramen dish
- Topped with ingredients such as shredded egg, ham, cucumber, and red ginger
- Characterised by a sweet and sour sauce (soy sauce-based or sesame sauce)
Despite the name ‘Chinese,’ it is a completely Japanese-style arrangement of the dish, not found in China.
Why is ‘We’ve started serving it’ necessary?
- Cold noodles are a summer-only menu item
- They are not served in winter → It is customary to announce the start of the season when it arrives
- As part of restaurant culture, it is customary to post notices as a matter of course
This sign itself can be seen as a unique example of Japan’s ‘handmade, laid-back marketing culture.’
When Japanese people see this sign, they feel the start of summer. And they think, ‘I want to eat cold noodles!’
Why do Japanese people like cold ramen?
• A food culture that matches the hot and humid climate and makes you feel cool
• Cold noodles emphasise ‘smoothness’ and are light and easy to eat
• Colourful and visually ‘cool.’ Designed to be easy to eat even when you don’t feel like eating
‘Cold noodles are now available’ as a cultural phenomenon
• A dish that makes you feel ‘summer has arrived’ not only through taste but also through sight and words
• A Japanese sense of conveying ‘seasonal feelings’ through signs and posters
• ‘Cold noodles are now available’ has become a seasonal term in Japan
Interestingly, ‘冷やし中華はじめました。Cold noodles are now available’ T-shirts and merchandise are also popular.
This phrase itself is sometimes introduced overseas as a ‘mysterious and interesting Japanese expression’!
Why not try cold noodles yourself?
Unlocking Japan’s everyday riddles
-Where Japan’s quirks make sense-
