Is Japan Really Like This?!
Surprisingly Unique Ramen Culture You Can Experience at Ichi-ban Boshi

Is Japan Really Like This?! Surprisingly Unique Ramen Culture You Can Experience at Ichi-ban Boshi

In many countries, making noise while eating is considered bad manners.
But in Japan, ramen culture is a little different.

In this blog, we’ll introduce some uniquely Japanese ramen customs
that you can experience right here at Ichi-ban Boshi.
There’s no right or wrong — just enjoy the cultural differences.

Slurping Your Ramen Is Totally OK

In Japan, slurping ramen is not considered rude.
In fact, it’s often seen as a sign that you’re really enjoying your meal.

Slurping helps you enjoy the aroma of the noodles and broth together,
and it also makes it easier to eat ramen while it’s piping hot.

It might look surprising at first,
but in Japan, it’s a very normal and familiar sight.

Standing Chopsticks Upright Is a No-No

One lesser-known custom is not placing chopsticks upright in a bowl.
In Japan, this is something people try to avoid.

That’s because it resembles a Buddhist ritual performed at funerals.
Visitors may do this without realising,
but for Japanese people, it’s a habit they naturally avoid.

Ramen Is Usually Not Shared

In many countries, sharing dishes is common.
But in Japan, ramen is usually prepared as one bowl per person.

The balance of flavours, the temperature, and the texture of the noodles
are all carefully designed for that single bowl.

That’s why ramen in Japan is often enjoyed as
“your own bowl, at your own pace.”

Ramen Isn’t Really a “Chat-First” Meal

Japanese ramen shops can sometimes feel surprisingly quiet.

This doesn’t mean conversation is not allowed.
It simply means people are focused on enjoying their ramen.

Ramen tastes best when it’s freshly served and steaming hot,
and that perfect moment doesn’t last very long.

Eat first, chat later —
that way of thinking has naturally become part of ramen culture.

Knowing the Culture Makes Ramen Even Better

These customs aren’t strict rules or manners to be enforced —
they’re simply part of the background of Japanese food culture.

At Ichi-ban Boshi,
you’re welcome to enjoy ramen in your own way —
take photos, shoot videos, and savour the experience.

Sometimes, just knowing a little cultural context
can make your bowl of ramen even more enjoyable.