Ramen eateries in Tokyo have started banding together in food court-style complexes in response to red-hot competition.
One such complex, which comprises seven noodle houses, made its debut under a bridge near JR Shinagawa Station in Tokyo in December. That was followed by another complex of six noodle shops at the Aqua City complex in the Odaiba waterfront district on Jan. 12.
Food industry sources said ramen eateries are facing an era of intense competition that has driven some long-established shops in the heart of the capital out of business.