Japan’s bean sprout shortage hitting Jiro-style ramen businesses hard

Japan is currently facing a significant shortage of bean sprouts, known as "moyashi," which has had a major impact on Jiro-style ramen businesses. Bean sprouts, or "moyashi," are a staple topping in Jiro-style ramen, contributing to their distinctive texture and mild flavor. One of the most renowned ramen styles, Jiro-style, is celebrated for its generous amounts of bean sprouts, often piled high atop the bowl.

However, this beloved topping is now in short supply due to various factors. A major producer of bean sprouts in the Kanto region near Tokyo, called Saiki Shokuhin, unexpectedly ceased operations in June last year and has remained closed since. This has left many other Jiro-style ramen restaurants scrambling to find alternative sources for their beloved topping.

Some restaurants have had to search local supermarkets for bean sprouts to keep their loyal customers content, as Jiro-style ramen without a substantial amount of bean sprouts is essentially just plain ramen.

The bean sprout shortage can be traced back to a decline in the number of bean sprout producers in Japan, which dropped from 235 in 2009 to just 86 by 2026. These young plants are known for their affordability, with packs often selling for less than 100 yen (USD 0.63). However, recent inflation and increased fuel costs have placed immense pressure on these producers, pushing some of them to the brink.

As a result, the only solution seems to be raising the price of bean sprouts, which would, in turn, increase the cost of Jiro-style ramen.

This crisis highlights some critical flaws in Japan's economy. The news of this situation received a surprisingly constructive response from online comments, with many users pointing out the reasons behind the cheap price of bean sprouts. Some argued that the cheap prices were maintained due to stable production, and disrupting this stability negatively affects not only restaurants but also households.

Others called for addressing the economic factors supporting bean sprout production, while others emphasized the need for price stability to keep producers afloat and avoid price instability.

The bean sprout shortage has brought to light the unsustainable nature of Japan's economy and the challenges faced by producers and consumers alike. As bean sprout prices rise, consumers must continue to monitor their purchases and consumption. Supermarkets and retailers are doing their best to keep prices low to retain customers, but this approach may not be effective in the long run.

Addressing the fundamental issues within Japan's economy is crucial for ensuring that everyone can enjoy affordable and high-quality food, including the cherished Jiro-style ramen.