#Japan #Tokyo #Ichikakuya #Yamashita Honki Udon #Asahi University

The New Collaborative Menu Launch

Starting June 1st through June 30th, 2026, Ichikakuya and Yamashita Honki Udon are set to introduce three exciting new dishes, created in collaboration with students from Asahi University's Hospitality Management program. This initiative represents a fusion of academic insight and culinary expertise, culminating in special seasonal offerings.

The featured dishes include:
1. Spicy Meat and Chive Oil Noodles from Ichikakuya
2. Shirasu and Hamo Tempura Udon with Plum Sauce from Yamashita Honki Udon
3. Creamy Sesame Dan Dan Udon from Yamashita Honki Udon

Background of the Collaboration

This project kicked off in January 2026, where students from Asahi University’s Hospitality Management kept the unique characteristics and target consumer profiles of each brand in mind while developing a total of six menu items. They worked collaboratively in teams to brainstorm and refine these concepts, considering aspects such as taste, ingredient pairings, presentation, pricing, and the practicality of serving them in restaurants.

The iterative process involved tasting sessions with the company's product development team, ensuring that the student ideas were not only innovative but also align with practical execution in store settings. Following a successful presentation to the brand executives, the three selected dishes emerged, balancing each brand's profiles with customer appeal.

Featured Products

Ichikakuya’s Product

Spicy Meat and Chive Oil Noodles

• - Price: ¥937 (tax included: ¥1,030)
• - Sales Period: June 1 - June 30, 2026
• - Description: This oil noodle dish combines the fragrant scent of chive with a delicious spicy sauce, stacking up with the rich flavor of meat. It's a robust bowl sure to ignite your appetite during early summer.
• - Locations: Ichikakuya locations including Nishishinjuku Main Store and others across Shinjuku.

Yamashita Honki Udon’s Products

1. Shirasu and Hamo Tempura Udon with Plum Sauce
- Price: ¥1,164 (tax included: ¥1,280)
- Sales Period: June 1 - June 30, 2026
- Description: A refreshing cold udon dish featuring shirasu (baby sardines) and hamo (a type of eel), adorned with a tangy plum sauce, this offering is perfect for summer days.
- Locations: Available at 23 outlets excluding Hamamatsucho.

2. Creamy Sesame Dan Dan Udon
- Price: ¥1,255 (tax included: ¥1,380)
- Sales Period: June 1 - June 30, 2026
- Description: This udon presents a dual-layer format of creamy sesame sauce and spicy meat miso, promising a deep flavor from ingredient blends and textures.
- Locations: Also at 23 outlets excluding Hamamatsucho.

Development Process Snapshot

The menu planning process included cooking trials to validate operational feasibilities at stores, seeking feedback through a series of sensory tests led by the company's development team. After extensive fine-tuning, the final presentations to brand executives enabled the team to achieve a curated selection that resonates with customer expectations and brand integrity.

About Ichikakuya

Ichikakuya champions the philosophy of unforgettable and craving-inducing ramen, characterized by its rich and creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth served with medium-thick noodles. With over 100 locations nationwide, Ichikakuya aims to deliver ramen that incorporates quality ingredients to every customer. For more information, visit Ichikakuya's Website.

About Yamashita Honki Udon

Founded in 2012 near Meguro station, Yamashita Honki Udon prides itself on crafting authentic Sanuki udon from meticulously selected wheat, prepared and aged in-house. Now operating across 24 locations primarily in the Kanto region, Yamashita's offerings are renowned for their strong texture and flavorful dashi stock. Explore more at Yamashita Honki Udon's Website.

About Garden Co., Ltd.

Garden Co., Ltd. seeks to create spaces that foster happiness and smiles through its operations in both the food and real estate sectors. With a history of successful corporate restructuring and expansion, it continues to grow its portfolio of 13 different dining brands across Japan, strategically located for maximum customer engagement. More details can be found at Garden Group's Website.