Saga Prefecture launches branding project for local ramen

Saga Prefecture has launched the ‘SAGA Ramen Project’ to brand local ramen varieties and promote them both domestically and internationally. The initiative aims to differentiate Saga’s culinary offerings from famous regional styles like Hakata or Kurume ramen to boost tourism and the local economy.

A signature style of Saga ramen involves white tonkotsu broth with medium-thick noodles and a raw egg placed in the center. This specific style is said to have originated at Ikkyuken Honten in Saga City, created by the shop’s founder in 1958 to celebrate a baseball victory. The addition of a raw egg, once a luxury, became a defining characteristic that spread as former employees opened their own shops.

As part of the 2025 rollout, the prefecture is conducting campaigns, including the distribution of ‘SAGA Ramen Cards’ at participating shops. The project seeks to leverage the global popularity of ramen to attract more visitors to the region.