A Nishiyama Seimen employee on a business trip to Spain, teaching how to make ramen (leftmost) = April (provided by the company)

Nishiyama Seimen (Sapporo), which has been exporting ramen since the 1980s, has significantly grown its overseas business over the past decade. Export sales exceeded 100 million yen for the first time in 2014, reaching 113 million yen, and by 2024, boosted by a rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, they increased to 1.125 billion yen. In 2025, sales are projected at 800 million yen, and while influenced by the situation in the Middle East in 2026, the company expects to maintain a similar level. Behind this growth is a strategy of “cultivating” local ramen shops, which has borne fruit, leading to an increase in sales volume through multi-store expansion and branch openings. The delayed start of operations at a noodle factory in Germany is also expected to begin in the fall of next year, and the company aims to further accelerate its overseas expansion.

Spain

Spain is a southwestern European country known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, influenced by Roman, Moorish, and Christian civilizations. Its history includes centuries of Roman rule, the Islamic Golden Age under the Moors, and the rise of a global empire after the unification of Castile and Aragon in the late 15th century. Today, Spain is famous for its vibrant festivals, unique architecture, and contributions to art, music, and cuisine.

Sapporo

Sapporo is the largest city on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, best known for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics and its annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Originally developed in the late 19th century as a planned city under the influence of American agricultural advisors, it quickly grew into a major economic and cultural hub. Today, it is famous for its beer, ramen, and beautiful parks like Odori Park.

Germany

Germany is a Central European country with a rich and complex history, from the Holy Roman Empire and the rise of Prussia to its division during the Cold War and reunification in 1990. It is known for its cultural contributions in philosophy, music, and literature, as well as iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle. Today, Germany is a leading economic and political power within the European Union.

Middle East

The Middle East is a historically and culturally rich region spanning from the Arabian Peninsula to the Levant and Iran, often regarded as the cradle of civilization. It was home to ancient empires like Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire, and is the birthplace of three major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Today, the region is known for its diverse cultures, geopolitical significance, and vast oil reserves, with modern nations like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Israel shaping its complex contemporary landscape.