From the world of Japan’s hugely popular character “Chiikawa” comes a long-awaited snack for fans. The iconic “Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen” and “Giant Modanyaki” from the story have collaborated with the classic Japanese snack “Baby Star Ramen.” Released for pre-sale at convenience stores nationwide in Japan on Monday, November 24, 2025, it’s already creating a huge buzz.
This collaboration is more than just another character-branded product. It features flavors that faithfully recreate the world of “Chiikawa” and adorable packaging that you’ll want to collect. In this article, we’ll dive into the details, including some background, to share its charm with our international audience.
What is “Chiikawa”? The Charm of a Character Loved in Japan
To understand this product, you have to know about “Chiikawa.” “Chiikawa” is a popular manga created by the illustrator Nagano, serialized on X (formerly Twitter). The official name translates to “Something Small and Cute,” and just as the name suggests, the story of these small, adorable characters living in a heartwarming, yet sometimes surreal and slightly dark world has captured the hearts of many.
The series features unique characters like the protagonist “Chiikawa,” and their friends “Hachiware” and “Usagi.” The story depicts their daily lives—working to earn rewards, eating delicious food, and sometimes encountering danger—and fans who relate to and are soothed by their antics are endless. In Japan, you can see “Chiikawa” everywhere, from merchandise and collaboration cafes to corporate campaigns.
“Baby Star Ramen,” a National Snack of Japan
Meanwhile, “Baby Star Ramen” is a long-selling snack with over 60 years of history, manufactured by The Oyatsu Company. It’s essentially seasoned instant ramen noodles that have been dried so they can be eaten as is. The unique crunchy texture and savory flavor, based on chicken and soy sauce, are loved by everyone from children to adults across generations.
The “Dodekai Ramen” version used in this collaboration is a series featuring wider noodles than the regular Baby Star Ramen, known for its extra-crunchy, satisfying texture.
Chiikawa Baby Star Dodekai Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Flavor)
First up is the flavor that recreates the “Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen” that the characters are often seen deliciously eating in the series.
Tonkotsu Ramen is an incredibly popular style of ramen in Japan, characterized by its cloudy white broth made from simmering pork bones for a long time. This snack is finished with a “Tonkotsu Shoyu (pork bone and soy sauce) flavor” that combines the rich taste of pork bone with the gentle sweetness of vegetables. With just one bite, you might feel like you’ve stepped right into the world of “Chiikawa.”
There are three package designs, featuring adorable illustrations of “Chiikawa,” “Hachiware,” and “Shisa” slurping up their noodles. It’s so cute, you’ll want to pick it up, even if you’re not a fan.
Product Name: Chiikawa Baby Star Dodekai Ramen (Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen Flavor)
Contents: 60g
Price: Open price (Suggested retail price: around 152 yen, tax included)
Release Date: Pre-release at convenience stores nationwide in Japan starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It will be available at supermarkets and other stores starting Monday, December 1, 2025.
Chiikawa Baby Star Dodekai Ramen (Modanyaki Flavor)
The other flavor is inspired by the “Giant Modanyaki” that appears in the series.
Modanyaki is a type of “Okonomiyaki” (a savory pancake made with a flour-based batter and ingredients like cabbage), which is made more voluminous by adding yakisoba noodles. It’s especially popular in Japan’s Kansai region.
This snack recreates the taste of that Modanyaki. The rich aroma of katsuobushi (Bonito Flakes) and the flavor of the sweet and savory sauce are a perfect match, making it so delicious you can’t stop once you start. It pairs exceptionally well with the wide Dodekai Ramen, filling your mouth with the fragrance of the sauce along with the crunchy texture.
This one also comes in three different package designs. They feature other popular characters like “Momonga,” “Kurimanju,” and “Furumoto-ya” (The Old Bookstore) munching on Modanyaki, making the designs irresistible for fans.
Product Name: Chiikawa Baby Star Dodekai Ramen (Modanyaki Flavor)
Contents: 60g
Price: Open price (Suggested retail price: around 152 yen, tax included)
Release Date: This flavor will also be pre-released at convenience stores nationwide in Japan on Monday, November 24, 2025. It will then be rolled out to supermarkets and other retailers from Monday, December 1.
Summary
This collaboration is a truly unique product that offers both a way to relive the story of “Chiikawa” and a new way to enjoy a classic Japanese snack. Since it can be easily purchased at convenience stores, why not look for it as a souvenir or a little snack during your stay when you visit Japan? Whether you’re a fan of “Chiikawa” or not, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious snack that fuses Japanese pop culture and food culture.
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