By Keizo Shimamoto
Ramen.Commencement
When I first created the Ramen Burger not only did I want to make it delicious, I wanted to make it represent the natural blend of two cultures. Two cultures that represent my life and my hybridized imagination: Japanese-America. With that as my base I felt I could create something special. Luckily enough, my Ramen Burger became an instant sensation and took the world by storm within hours of being announced on this blog. With appearances on almost every media outlet you can imagine (and some you can't imagine), my Ramen Burger was being talked about in households around the country {and the world}, tacitly educating the difference between instant ramen versus traditional. With that said, it is time to re-introduce a separate focus.
Ramen.Continuum
The success of Ramen Burger has given me an entirely new opportunity--an opportunity to reach millions with my passion for ramen. There cannot be a better time than now to remind people that I, Keizo Shimamoto, is not just the creator of the Ramen Burger, but a devoted ramen fanatic and an aspiring ramen entrepreneur with dreams of spreading ramen love throughout the world. Four years ago, I quit my job as a computer programmer to embark on a dream. A dream where the goal has always been to constantly live, learn, spread great ramen throughout the world, and to educate those who are unfamiliar with the traditional Japanese styles. Evidently, there is much more to ramen than just "instant." Undeniably, it is our responsibility to bridge the gap with the world's perception.
Ramen.Concept
In Japan, ramen is generally considered fast-food--a type of food that can be eaten in thirty minutes or less. With an increasing number of fast service type restaurants gaining popularity in America, ramen would be a natural fit for that I-don't-have-much-time-SO-MAKE-IT-FAST model. Therefore, in order to bridge the gap, this new model will provide real ramen, real food in an instant.
Ramen.Comfort
Comfort food: Ramen, Ramen Burger, and one other--the Japanese Bento. Aside from ramen and burgers, I also grew up eating bento. In fact, during my four years in Japan, if I wasn't slurping ramen I was probably ordering take-out at the local bento shop. In my eyes, there have always been two kinds of Japanese bento: Makunouchi (a box bento with many small items) or fast service bento (a delicious protein with a few small items). I've always preferred the fast service kind when I've needed additional comfort in between bowls. With that in mind, my Japanese bento will be an additional soul food in Ramen.Co's concept and allow you to completely satisfy your hungry soul--all around Japanese-American comfort style.
Ramen.Conclusion
Ramen.Co is just the beginning. Playing off the name and my authentic bi-traditional concept, Ramen.Co will begin to open up multiple opportunities. .Collaboration, .Cooperation, .Collection, .Connection, etc. The ideas and possibilities are endless, beginning from a strong foundation. A strong foundation that involves a wide range of talents. A wide range of talents that thrives from a common bond. A common bond that builds from passion. A passion that pours from my soul and into your food. Ramen.Co, the next generation of soul food is here.
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