"How Much Would That Cost?"... Prime Minister Faces Backlash After Eating Ramen Loaded with Chashu

"Delicious Ramen with Heaps of Chashu"
Prime Minister Ishiba Faces Backlash After Posting Ramen Photo

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan has sparked controversy by posting a photo of ramen (ramyeon) topped generously with chashu (Japanese-style pork). Japanese netizens have criticized Prime Minister Ishiba for eating what they called "emperor ramen," pointing out that the public is struggling with rising prices.

Photo of ramen revealed by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) and tonkotsu ramen from Japanese ramen franchise Ichiran. X Capture

According to recent reports from Japanese media outlet J-Cast, Prime Minister Ishiba announced via X (formerly Twitter) on July 5 that he had visited a ramen shop in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.

It is reported that Prime Minister Ishiba visited the region to support Mai Nakamura, a candidate running in the Niigata constituency for the House of Councillors election.

Prime Minister Ishiba posted a message saying, "Thank you, everyone at Ramen Taichi Rengata branch. The food was delicious," along with a photo showing ramen topped with a large amount of chashu and a plate of gyoza.

Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan. Prime Minister Ishiba SNS

However, the post drew a wave of criticism. Some netizens expressed their disapproval with comments such as, "The public is suffering because they have no money, but isn't there too much chashu on that ramen?" "It's Niigata?why ramen instead of rice?" and "Is this the Ishiba Special?"

On the other hand, some defended the prime minister, saying, "He just ate ramen?what's the problem?" "Is he really getting criticized just for posting this? Being prime minister must be tough," and "Even tweeting about eating ramen gets the prime minister criticized?what is wrong with this country?"

Some observers have analyzed that, with the response to high inflation emerging as the most pressing issue, the photo?lavish enough to be called "emperor ramen"?triggered public criticism. In fact, Japan's consumer price index for May (excluding fresh food) rose by 3.7% year-on-year, marking a sixth consecutive month of increases above 3%. In particular, the price of rice rose by 101.7%, with soaring food prices driving overall inflation.