The "First Bowl" That Went to Space Returns to its Origin. "Jinrui Mina Menrui" Main Store Reborn on July 20th, "Human Moon Landing Day".

<Photo: Ramen "Genten">

UNCHI Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City, Yodogawa Ward, President: Takahiro Matsumura), which operates the ever-popular ramen chain "Jinrui Mina Menrui" and other establishments both domestically and internationally in Nishinakajima, Osaka, will reopen its founding location, "Jinrui Mina Menrui Main Store," on July 20, 2026, as a place to enshrine the "origin" that has returned from space.

On this day, two "origins" will return to the main store.

The first is the sign "Men" (noodles) that was put up at the time of its founding 14 years ago (2012).

The second is "Ramen Genten," the very first bowl that became the starting point for Takahiro Matsumura to create over 100 establishments.

-- And the one sent to space with the same design as that sign, and the ingredients of "Genten," have truly traveled through space and returned to Earth.

The "First Bowl" That Traveled Space for Approximately 10 Months and Returned to Earth

Launched on November 10, 2023, from Kennedy Space Center, USA, via SpaceX's Falcon 9.

Attached to an ISS external module on November 24, 2023, beginning exposure to space.

Approximately 10 months: Flew in orbit about 400 km above the ground at approximately 28,000 km/h (about 16 orbits of the Earth per day).

Removed from the ISS after exposure was completed on September 5, 2024.

Returned to Earth on December 18, 2024.

This was the first attempt in project history for exposing food ingredients to space. And when the returned ingredients were opened—even after a journey of about 10 months in space, the aroma of ramen still wafted up.

"Space Sand" Becomes Ramen Bowls Crafted by Ceramic Artists

In this project, "pottery sand" was also sent to space along with the ramen ingredients and sign. Using this sand that has returned to Earth, two ceramic artists are creating special ramen bowls.

Ceramic Artist Akimasa Yamane

<Photo: Ceramic Artist Akimasa Yamane>

Born in Okayama Prefecture. In 1975, he apprenticed under Masami Nishikawa, a direct disciple of the first Living National Treasure, Toyo Kanashige, and embarked on his path in ceramics. While adhering to the traditional techniques of Bizen ware, he established a masterful technique of achieving color solely through the control of firing, without using any glaze.

From the age of 45, he boldly challenged the glaze-free, unprecedented method to recreate the "Yohen Tenmoku," a national treasure-level piece said to be difficult to reproduce even with glaze. After several years of verification, he completed a glaze-free Yohen Tenmoku emitting a lapis lazuli iridescence, achieving a first in the history of world ceramics. This achievement was recognized by the Imperial Family, and he was granted the title of Imperial Kiln.

He has also been invited by universities in China, and in 2015, he became a special professor at East China Normal University in Shanghai, continuing to promote the appeal of Bizen ware overseas. For this project, he is creating ramen bowls inspired by "the transition from Earth to space" and "space itself."

Ceramic Artist and Tea Master Shota Yamada

<Photo: Ceramic Artist and Tea Master Shota Yamada>

A ceramic artist and tea master based in Tokyo.

He began studying ceramics independently in his teens, focusing on tea bowls. While holding solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally, he has explored the aesthetic sensibilities that the Japanese have cultivated since ancient times through tea ceremony and ceramics.

While studying the tea ceremony as a direct disciple of the Enshu-ryu tea ceremony school, he also presides over "Mitate Tea Ceremony," a new tea gathering that allows participants to experience Japanese aesthetics using their five senses. The "Mitate Tea Ceremony," which aims to liberate the mind using the uniquely Japanese concept of "mitate" (reinterpretation) through tea bowls and tea utensils, attracts over 600 participants annually.

He also holds solo exhibitions and tea ceremonies overseas, including in France, and engages in activities to convey Japanese culture. He continues to create new expressions by bridging ceramics and the tea ceremony.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shotayamada14/

WEB https://ya-ma-shou.com/

Why This Is More Than Just a Renovation

"Jinrui Mina Menrui" was the first store opened by Takahiro Matsumura, and "Ramen Genten" was the first bowl he created there. Everything began with this one bowl.

The bowl of origin and the sign from its founding, sent to space, have traveled through the vastness of space—humanity's greatest scale—and are now returning to the main store, the place where it all began.

The reborn main store will be the world's only establishment enshrining ingredients, a sign, and bowls made from "space sand" returned from space.

On the opening day, the bowl served will not be a new creation. It will be "Ramen Genten," the beginning of everything. There is meaning in savoring the origin on this day.

(※ The ingredients, sand, and sign returned from space, as well as the bowls by the ceramic artists, will be exhibited and displayed as records and artworks within the store. They are separate from the bowls served to customers.) The returned ingredients and bowls made from "space sand" were first unveiled at the main store in April 2025, and exhibited at the Osaka-Kansai Expo in July of the same year. The "ramen that traveled space," which was also showcased at a venue where the world gathers, is now returning to the place of origin where everything began.

Regarding the Date July 20th

The opening date, July 20th, is "Human Moon Landing Day," commemorating the first time humans landed on the moon with Apollo 11 in 1969.

The ramen that traveled space returns to its origin on the anniversary of humanity reaching out to space.

Founder Takahiro Matsumura, based on the achievement of sending ramen to space in 2023, is seriously considering Mars as the next stage for expansion. This current endeavor is a solid step on that grand path.

President Takahiro Matsumura's Comment

"Ever since I decided to become a ramen chef at the age of 10, I have pursued only ramen until today.

At 24, I opened 'Jinrui Mina Menrui' in this very Nishinakajima location. The first bowl I made then was 'Ramen Genten.'

I never imagined that one day that bowl would go to space and then return to Earth.

<Photo: Takahiro Matsumura>

From my late twenties, I had more opportunities to travel abroad, and while Japanese ramen is loved worldwide, I strongly felt the need to deliver truly delicious ramen to more people around the world.

The dream that extends from that is opening a restaurant on Mars.

I want a person who truly loves ramen to take on the role, rather than someone who uses the power of money to take ramen to space first.

With that thought in mind, I sent ramen to space in 2023.

And now, that ramen and the founding sign are returning to the place of origin.

I would be happy if this main store becomes not just a place to eat ramen, but a place where people can feel that 'dreams can truly take shape.'

My next goal is Mars.

From this place where everything began, I will start a new challenge."

Opening Overview

Store Name: Jinrui Mina Menrui Main Store

Location: 1-12-15 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka City

Opening: July 20, 2026 (Monday) "Human Moon Landing Day" 12:00 PM onwards

Details: Complete renovation of the main store. Display of the sign returned from space, serving of "Ramen Genten," permanent exhibition of ingredients returned from space, bowls made from "space sand," etc.

Media Inquiry Information

We will provide an interview opportunity for members of the press from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, prior to the unveiling ceremony at 12:00 PM on July 20th.

Those wishing to be interviewed, please contact us at the email address below. We can also arrange interviews on dates other than this, so please consult with us.

UNCHI Co., Ltd. Public Relations info@unchi-co.com

Company Overview

Company Name: UNCHI Co., Ltd.

Representative: President Takahiro Matsumura

Location: Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Business: Domestic and international expansion of ramen restaurants, including "Jinrui Mina Menrui."

About Space Transportation

The space transportation and exposure for this project were carried out as part of Space BD Co., Ltd.'s "Space Delivery Project - RETURN to EARTH -." Launch: November 10, 2023 / Return: December 18, 2024