Marugame Seimen Celebrates 25 Years with Heartwarming Udon Talk Relay Project

25th Anniversary of Marugame Seimen: The 'Udon Talk Relay'

As Marugame Seimen, a beloved udon restaurant chain, approaches its 25th anniversary this November, the company has launched an exciting initiative, the 'Udon Talk Relay'. This project, part of the broader '25th Anniversary Marugame Nikokiko Project', aims to celebrate the connections built over these years, much like the bonds formed through a warm bowl of udon. The initiative kicks off with a special interview featuring Ayaka Ueto, the brand ambassador, who shares her heartfelt insights and experiences related to the brand.

Marugame Seimen, headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, has made a name for itself by focusing on handmade, freshly made udon noodles. With 856 stores across Japan and 297 overseas as of February 2025, the brand has grown tremendously since its inception in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture in 2000. The philosophy behind the restaurant is simple yet profound: to provide customers with an emotional dining experience tied to quality and tradition.

In the first relay segment, the interview with Ayaka Ueto is expected to resonate with many. Ueto, who has been an integral part of Marugame Seimen's journey, reflects on her own career, which coincidentally marks the same 25-year milestone as the restaurant. "Looking back, my younger self was eager to become an adult quickly. There were busy days when hours felt endless, but now I truly enjoy each day, and they seem to fly by," she shares.

When asked about her message to Marugame Seimen, Ueto states, "I hold dearly to the concept of 'staying true.' Seeing Marugame Seimen adapt while preserving its core values moves me deeply. It would make me happy to support that mission closely in the future."

The 'Udon Talk Relay' will unfold throughout the year with various guest appearances, including interviews with notable figures associated with the brand. These conversations will explore their connections to udon and the joy it brings to their lives. As the project unfolds, fans can expect heartwarming content that underscores the special relationship between the restaurant and its patrons.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration

The '25th Anniversary Marugame Nikokiko Project' seeks to express gratitude to supporters. The entire year will be themed around smiles, incorporating numerous engaging campaigns, product releases, and celebratory events. The first event in this year-long celebration is 'Udon Caravan Team's 25th Anniversary Experience', allowing guests to experience fresh, handmade udon in a fun way.

A special feature this year is the 'Restored Local Udon Experience' campaign, running from April to October 2025, where patrons can enjoy regional udon specialties, heralding a culinary journey across Japan. Each month will spotlight different types of dipping sauces from various prefectures, allowing loyal customers to indulge in flavors they might not typically encounter.

Regarding Udon's popularity, a unique initiative, the 'Kakiage Election 2025', will also take place. This will involve selecting the top five fan-favorite kakiage (fried vegetable fritters), chosen from a selection of over seventy varieties created throughout the brand's history. The winners will be featured as part of a monthly special offer from fall to winter this year.

Furthermore, the 25th-anniversary logo was crafted by a creative team from Kagawa Prefecture, which embodies the brand's love for udon culture and has a heartfelt design inspired by the motive of letter writing.

Marugame Seimen's commitment to food excellence and sustainability runs deep, with initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting local economy support. The brand emphasizes the importance of solid relationships with its customers and focuses on creating an enjoyable dining experience. Through the 'Udon Talk Relay' and other celebratory activities, Marugame Seimen is poised to make this milestone year a memorable experience for everyone.

The '25th Anniversary Marugame Nikokiko Project' special site provides updates and announcements for this project. Fans of udon and the Marugame Seimen family can access more information here.

As Marugame Seimen enters its 25th year, the excitement surrounding the 'Udon Talk Relay' not only reflects gratitude towards its patrons but also the continuous commitment to maintaining the ties between people that good food can create.