Meet The Man Who’s Eaten Instant Noodles Daily For Over Three Decades!

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Noodles possess a special charm; they're soft yet springy, swirling effortlessly around your fork or chopsticks while soaking up every bit of flavour from a delicious broth or sauce. Warm, filling, and comforting, they're a go-to favourite for quick meals. But can you imagine having this beloved dish every day for decades?

Even the tastiest meals can become tiresome over time but not for Sokusekisai Oyama, who has dedicated over 30 years to eating instant ramen daily. Want to know more, read on.

Photo Credit: Pexels

The Instant Ramen King

In Japan, instant noodles, or "cup noodles," are more than just a quick snack-they're a national obsession. With hundreds of varieties available, from budget-friendly packets at grocery stores to high-end versions topped with dehydrated meat and veggies, there's something for everyone. But no one's love for cup noodles runs as deep as Sokusekisai Oyama's.

Known as Japan's "Instant Ramen King," Oyama was once an illustrator with an engineering degree but left it all behind to dedicate his life to noodles. For the past 30 years, the 65-year-old has eaten at least one cup of noodles every single day, not just as a fan but as a self-made "professional cup noodle critic." With over 10,000 servings under his belt, Oyama has turned his devotion to cup noodles into a lifestyle-and an art form.

A True Noodle Legend

Sokusekisai Oyama, Japan's "Instant Ramen King," is a true noodle legend. His love for instant ramen began back in his college days at Tokyo's Gunma University, where he not only fell for the flavours but also started collecting instant noodle packaging-now boasting over 6,000 unique cups and wrappers. Oyama's big break came in 1995 when he won TV Tokyo's Instant Noodle Championship, which catapulted him into the spotlight and led to countless TV appearances.

呼ばれたので来ました。
同類は10人程度はおる模様。 pic.twitter.com/6nvwcm2rQX

— 大山 即席斎≡◔ω◔≡ (@Sokusekisai) December 31, 2021

Then, in 2018, he took his passion to the next level by winning the Goku Kiwami Cup Ramen Arrangement contest, where he wowed judges with creative upgrades to instant noodles. Today, at 65, Oyama is still going strong, eating at least one serving daily and sharing his noodle insights on social media, where he's recognized as a top authority on all things ramen. Despite the health warnings around instant noodles, he insists he's found a balance-especially with gourmet options that come with real meat and veggies!

今日の晩飯は日清カップヌードル辛麺焙煎唐辛子のコク旨しょうゆ。
辛旨ええぇ!ぶっかけ焙煎唐辛子入り
辛さレベル4
つゆは赤黒くて香りにも唐辛子の辛みが含まれている。食べてみると激辛一歩手前で汗が出てきた。辛いは辛いが旨辛だな。麺はやわらかめの食感。かやくは赤唐辛子&豚ミンチ&卵&ねぎ。 pic.twitter.com/P3kn7a1B3k

— 大山 即席斎≡◔ω◔≡ (@Sokusekisai) October 9, 2024

In Japan, where hundreds of new instant noodle varieties hit shelves each year, Sokusekisai Oyama has his hands full as a professional cup noodle critic. As Japan's "Instant Ramen King," he's constantly in demand, making TV appearances and staying active on social media, where he answers noodle questions, shares reviews, and ranks popular instant ramen. With decades of experience and a deep love for cup noodles, Oyama's opinions are highly valued, and fans rely on his expertise to navigate Japan's ever-expanding noodle scene.