Synopsis

This heartfelt documentary tells the story of the man behind a legendary ramen shop in Tokyo.

Located in Ikebukuro, near central Tokyo, the ramen shop “Taishoken” used to attract long lines of eager customers daily. Within just four hours, the shop would serve ramen to 200 people. Many regulars became devoted fans of Taishoken’s unique taste, and even other ramen shop owners came to learn from the establishment. The documentary chronicles the life of Kazuo Yamagishi, the founder of Taishoken, who greatly influenced the Japanese ramen industry.

For 40 years, Yamagishi’s dedication to making ramen never wavered. He welcomed numerous apprentices and generously shared his techniques while delighting his customers. The film also explores the source of Yamagishi’s passion—his wife, who passed away early—and his deep love for both her and delicious ramen. This deeply moving film captures Yamagishi’s unwavering commitment and passion to the fullest.