National Ramen Noodle Chain in Japan Shifts to U.S. Pork Cushion Meat

Published: Apr 19, 2025

A national ramen noodle chain based in Kyoto has switched to U.S pork as a main ingredient for one of its most popular menu items. Kairikiya, with 160 outlets in Japan, is now using U.S. pork cushion meat (cut from the pork shoulder) for “char siu,” a topping ingredient that is crucial to creating a unique flavor for the dish. The chain’s switch to U.S. pork from Mexican net-wrapped picnic marks the second time a Japanese ramen noodle chain has switched to U.S. pork in 2025.

USMEF had been working with Kairikiya and its distributor Prima Ham since last summer on the benefits of switching to U.S. pork cushion meat. Kairikiya projects its usage of U.S. cushion meat will exceed 1,000 mt this year.

Kairikiya also began selling a limited feature item in March, Toushima Ramen, which uses thinly sliced U.S. pork false lean as a topping.

With USMEF support, the chain also began featuring a new, limited-time menu item in March that uses thinly sliced U.S. pork false lean as a topping. False lean is an underutilized subcutaneous muscle imbedded in the fat overlying the shoulder end of the loin. The company expects to use 100 metric tons of false lean during the promotion.

Promotional support is provided by the National Pork Board, USDA’s Market Access Program and USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program.