Ramen Day is a special day set aside to honor ramen, the popular Japanese noodle soup dish that brings comfort with its warm broth and tasty toppings. In Japan, the official Ramen Day is on July 11th each year, made official by the Japan Ramen Association. In other countries, especially in the US, “National Ramen Day” is commonly celebrated on April 4th. This guide explores ramen’s background, its role in culture, and fun ways you can join in the festivities for this worldwide favorite food.
It doesn’t matter if you recognize the Japanese date or the internationally popular one-Ramen Day is a great reason to enjoy a bowl of ramen. It’s a day to taste the mix of flavors, from deep, flavorful broths to chewy noodles and different toppings that make each ramen bowl something different. Mark your calendar and get your chopsticks ready!
What Is Ramen Day?
Ramen Day is an annual celebration dedicated to ramen, the well-loved Japanese noodle soup. It’s about recognizing how important ramen is, both in Japanese culture and to food lovers around the world. Originally a simple street food, ramen has grown into an international favorite with many types to try. On this day, both devoted fans and people who just want a good meal can enjoy the craft and comfort that ramen brings.
The day encourages people to try different types of ramen, whether that means eating a style from a new region, making ramen at home, or just enjoying their usual favorite. Its popularity in different places and cultures shows how ramen brings people together with its warmth and creativity.
Why Celebrate Ramen Day?
Ramen Day is held for a few main reasons, mainly to recognize and promote ramen’s place in food and culture. The Japan Ramen Association set July 11th as Ramen Day to highlight and help the culture of ramen stay strong and interesting in Japan. Ramen Day is also a time for people to enjoy tasty food and to learn more about this special dish.
This day is also a chance for people to show their love for a meal that has become popular everywhere. Ramen is enjoyed because it’s flexible, easy to get, and always satisfying. It has a long history, moving from a simple meal to an important symbol of how food brings people together.
When Is Ramen Day?
There are two main dates to remember for ramen fans worldwide. In Japan, Ramen Day is on July 11th. The numbers 7 and 11 are meant to stand for important ramen tools-the number 7 looks like a curved ramen spoon, and 11 looks like two chopsticks. This date is also the birthday of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, a historical figure from Japan believed to be one of the first Japanese to try ramen.
Elsewhere, like in the United States, “National Ramen Day” is marked every year on April 4th. This date became popular around 2017, simply to give people another chance to enjoy ramen. Whichever date you follow, it’s a time to have fun with friends and enjoy a great meal.
Other Names for Ramen Day
Because ramen is loved in many places and celebrated on more than one day, Ramen Day is sometimes called by other names, depending on who is celebrating and where.
National Ramen Noodle Day
For April 4th, many people use the term “National Ramen Noodle Day.” This name stresses the noodles as the main part of ramen. Online and on social media, “National Ramen Noodle Day” and “National Ramen Day” are often used for the same day, making it easy for everyone to join the celebration.
History and Beginnings of Ramen Day
Ramen Day, like ramen itself, has grown and changed over time. Ramen’s history goes back centuries, but having a special day to celebrate it is a newer idea, inspired by the desire to highlight and enjoy this tasty food.
The two celebration dates-July 11th in Japan and April 4th elsewhere-show how ramen is both a deeply rooted Japanese dish and a favorite comfort meal around the globe. Both dates share the same goal: enjoying ramen in whatever way you like best.
How Did Ramen Day Start?
The Japan Ramen Association created official Ramen Day in Japan, celebrated on July 11th. They registered this idea with the Japan Anniversary Association and started the first celebration on July 11, 2017. The date 7/11 was picked because 7 looks like a ramen spoon while 11 looks like chopsticks. This day also honors Tokugawa Mitsukuni, who was born on July 11, 1628, and is thought to have been one of the first Japanese people to eat ramen.
The “National Ramen Day” on April 4th in the US and other countries became popular around 2017, too, but in a more casual, grassroots way. While it’s not tied to any official group, it quickly caught on and is now widely recognized outside Japan.
Ramen’s Place in Japanese Culture
In Japan, ramen is more than just soup-it’s a comfort food and an important part of local cooking and life. Ramen started with influences from Chinese noodles but became a special Japanese food all its own, with styles that change from region to region-like strong miso ramen in Sapporo or creamy tonkotsu ramen from Hakata.
Ramen shops, called ramen-ya, can be found everywhere from big cities to tiny towns, each with its own spin on this classic dish. Ramen uses local ingredients and flavors, making each bowl a blend of tradition and personal touch. For many people in Japan, ramen reminds them of home and brings them together for a meal.
Ramen After World War II
After World War II, Japan faced serious food shortages. Wheat flour from the US became widely available, which encouraged people to eat more wheat-based food like noodles. As rules on outside food stalls became easier in 1950, ramen vendors opened everywhere.
During this era, ramen became a cheap and filling choice, helping people get through tough times. Over time, ramen stopped being just a dish for special occasions and became part of everyday life-showing how food can be both comforting and important for a community.
When Did Instant Ramen Become a Worldwide Hit?
Instant ramen got its start in 1958, thanks to Momofuku Ando from Nissin Foods, who made Chicken Ramen-the first of its kind. At first, it wasn’t hugely popular, but its convenience won people over because it just needed hot water to make. In 1971, Cup Noodles made ramen even easier to eat anywhere-just add boiling water, and you’re done. Instant ramen is now sold worldwide, with billions of servings every year, making it an everyday meal especially loved by college students and busy workers.
Upcoming Ramen Day Dates
If you want to plan ahead, here are the next few years’ dates for both Japanese Ramen Day and National Ramen Day. Remember, the Japanese day is always July 11th, and the other is April 4th.
| Year | National Ramen Day (April 4) | Japanese Ramen Day (July 11) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tuesday, April 4 | Tuesday, July 11 |
| 2024 | Thursday, April 4 | Thursday, July 11 |
| 2025 | Friday, April 4 | Friday, July 11 |
| 2026 | Saturday, April 4 | Saturday, July 11 |
| 2027 | Sunday, April 4 | Sunday, July 11 |
How to Celebrate Ramen Day
The best way to join in on Ramen Day is simply to enjoy ramen in whatever style you like. Whether you’re already a ramen fan or new to the dish, there are many ways to get involved-try a classic bowl, experiment in the kitchen, or share the fun with others.
This is the perfect time to invite friends or family over, or just treat yourself. Ramen Day is about sharing time over a bowl of noodles, broth, and toppings.
Eat Ramen at Home or Eat Out
The simplest way to take part in Ramen Day is to eat ramen-either at home or in a restaurant. If you cook it yourself, you can use fresh ingredients, slow-cooked broths, and even make homemade noodles. Or, you can make a quick instant ramen and add your own toppings to make it special. If you’d rather eat out, a ramen shop will offer expertly made bowls, sometimes with deals or special new flavors just for the holiday.
Fun Ways to Make Ramen
Ramen is flexible, so Ramen Day is a great chance to try something new. You could give your ramen a twist with pesto sauce and Parmesan, or try breakfast ramen with eggs and bacon. Use ramen to make hamburger buns for a ramen burger, or swap noodles for zucchini if you want a lighter meal. Mix and match broths, noodles, and toppings to make a bowl that you’ll love.
- Pesto ramen: noodles with homemade pesto and vegetables
- Breakfast ramen: eggs, bacon, and green onions on noodles
- Ramen burger: fried ramen buns for a burger sandwich
- Zoodle ramen: use zucchini noodles instead of wheat-based ones
Host a Ramen Tasting Party
Another idea is to host a ramen tasting, where friends can try different styles and flavors. Try making soups from different regions or set up a ramen bar with a choice of broths, noodles, and toppings so everyone can make their own unique bowl. This turns the meal into a fun group activity and lets people compare their creations.
Share Ramen Day Online
Many people like to post about their Ramen Day meals online. Using hashtags connects you with other fans and helps spread the excitement. Try these hashtags when sharing:
- #RamenNoodleDay – great for April 4 and showing off all kinds of ramen
- #NationalRamenNoodleDay – used for April 4 posts and to reach a wider group
Where to Find Ramen Day Ideas
There’s no shortage of sources for more ramen knowledge and inspiration. The internet is full of recipes, videos, blogs, and forums for ramen fans of all levels-from basic cooking to learning about ramen’s history.
Ramen Online Communities
Community sites like Reddit (r/ramen), Facebook groups, and other forums let people share celebration ideas, ask questions, and post about their favorite ramen places. These groups are especially active around Ramen Day.
Top Ramen Blogs and Websites
Many dedicated sites and blogs offer guides to ramen’s history, recipes for different kinds, reviews of ramen shops, and how-to articles for making ramen at home. Here are some links to help you get started:
- Quick Homemade Ramen Soup Tips
- What Is Ramen?
- Ramen on Britannica
- Japan Guide: Ramen
- USA Today: Ramen Noodle Day
- Voice Magazine: Tribute to Ramen Noodle Day
Ramen Day FAQ
Ramen Day often brings up questions about ramen’s history, flavors, and traditions. Here are some common questions and answers to help you learn more about ramen and its special day.
Is Slurping Ramen Polite in Japan?
Yes! In Japan, slurping noodles is expected and shows you’re enjoying your ramen. It’s a compliment to the cook and also cools off the noodles as you eat them.
What Makes Ramen Noodles Different?
Ramen noodles are made with wheat flour and something called ‘kansui’, a type of alkaline water. This gives ramen noodles their strong texture and yellow color. There are many types-from thin to thick or straight to wavy-each made to go with different soups.
Why Do College Students Eat So Much Ramen?
Instant ramen is cheap and fast to make, making it very popular with students. It only needs boiling water or a microwave, and lasts a long time on the shelf. That’s why ramen is a go-to choice for budgets and busy schedules, especially for college life.
Where Does the Word ‘Ramen’ Come From?
The word ‘ramen’ comes from the Chinese ‘lamian,’ meaning ‘pulled noodles.’ These noodles were brought to Japan by immigrants and changed over the years into what we now call ramen.
What’s Special About the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum?
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, opened in 1994, recreates a 1958 Tokyo street-the year instant ramen was invented. The museum has small shops offering different Japanese regional ramens, letting visitors sample many types in one place. It is a popular spot for learning about ramen and tasting a variety of flavors.
Are There Any Myths About Ramen’s Health?
Yes, some people mistakenly believe instant ramen contains harmful wax. This isn’t true. While instant ramen typically has a lot of salt and can be fried, it does not contain wax. Fresh restaurant ramen can also be a nutritious choice, depending on what goes into it. As with any food, it’s good to eat both kinds in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
