Fake 'Ichiran' Ramen Shop Appears in Beijing, Sparks Controversy

A fake 'Ichiran' ramen shop has appeared in Beijing, China. The shop, named 'Benri Ichiran Ramen,' highly mimicked the brand's signage, logo, and interior design, sparking heated online discussion. After the incident was exposed, the shop was found abandoned. Ichiran's Japanese headquarters stated that its legal department is handling the matter and does not rule out legal action. According to Shueisha, the issue began around the 13th when a netizen posted photos of the new shop in a Beijing mall. While there were subtle differences, such as the English spelling 'ICHRAN' instead of 'ICHIRAN,' it was difficult to distinguish at first glance. Ichiran currently operates in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the US, but not in China. Local residents in Fukuoka pointed out that the ingredients differed from the original. This is not the first time a fake Ichiran has appeared in China; in 2018, a shop called 'Lanchi' mimicked the brand's unique individual seating. The Beijing shop also received poor reviews from customers. When reporters visited the site on the 20th, the shop was empty. Ichiran emphasized that all its stores are company-operated and it does not offer franchises.