【From Taiwan to Japan and Back: Rice Noodles Make a Historic Return】Kenmin Foods Launches Japan's No.1 Rice Noodle Brand “Kenmin Yakihapfun” in Founder’s Hometown on July 1

Kenmin Foods Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture; President and CEO: Yuki Takamura), Japan’s No.1 rice noodle brand by market share, will begin selling its products in Taiwan—the birthplace of its founder, Kenmin Takamura—starting July 1 (Wednesday), 2026.

Additionally, the company will make its first-ever exhibition at FOOD TAIPEI 2026, Taiwan’s largest food trade show, held from June 24 (Wednesday) to June 27 (Saturday) in Taipei. The event will feature its flagship product, 'Kenmin Yakihapfun,' recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the world’s first instant stir-fried rice noodles.

Taiwan is a market deeply rooted in rice noodle culture. For Kenmin Foods, this launch represents a cross-cultural challenge—returning 'Kenmin Yakihapfun,' a dish born from the evolution of Taiwanese rice noodles in Japan’s unique food culture, back to the people of Taiwan. It is also a long-held aspiration to honor its heritage.

Through this initiative, which marks a return to the founder’s homeland, the company aims to enhance brand recognition in Taiwan and achieve sustainable long-term growth.

※1: KSP-POS Food Supermarkets / Other Agricultural Dry Goods Category / January–December 2024

※2: Customs Statistics, Rice Noodle Category, 2025 January–December, 43.6% market share

【Sales Overview】

The company has signed a sales agreement with a local partner to launch in the Taiwanese market. Details are as follows:

● Products: Kenmin Yakihapfun, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Ramen

● Launch Date: July 1, 2026 (Wednesday)

● Export Origin: Kobe, Japan

● Distributor: Shichi-mi no Tomo Co., Ltd.

No. 46, Wugong 5th Road, New Taipei Industrial Park, New Taipei City

(02) 2299-2881

Kenmin Yakihapfun　　　　　　　　Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Ramen

【First Exhibition at FOOD TAIPEI 2026】

● Event Name: FOOD TAIPEI 2026

● Dates: June 24 (Wednesday) – June 27 (Saturday)

● Venue: Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC HALL1), Booth #A1010

● Exhibits: Flagship product 'Kenmin Yakihapfun,'

Gluten-Free Ramen (curated for Osaka-Kansai Expo store), with product displays and tastings

Exhibition concept image for FOOD TAIPEI 2026

【Message from President Yuki Takamura on the Taiwan Project】

Rice noodles, written as '米粉' in Chinese characters, are noodles made from rice. Originating in southern China, they spread across Asia, including Taiwan. The earliest record in Japan dates back to 1903, during the colonial era, when they were introduced at the Taiwan Pavilion of the 5th Domestic Industrial Exposition held in Osaka.

After World War II, demand for rice noodles rose in Japan, driven by returning residents. In 1950, Kenmin Takamura, a native of Taiwan, began rice noodle production in Kobe—marking the origin of today’s Kenmin Foods.

At the time, rice noodles were popular in Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants but remained unfamiliar in Japanese households. To address challenges like 'not knowing how to eat them' and 'difficult preparation,' the company developed the world’s first instant stir-fried rice noodles, 'Kenmin Yakihapfun,' in 1960. Seasoned with savory chicken broth and soy sauce, it requires no boiling or additional seasoning and can be cooked easily in a single frying pan. This convenience led to widespread adoption in homes, propelling the brand to become Japan’s top-selling rice noodle.

Rice noodles have gained strong customer support due to their ability to pair well with vegetables, their non-fried and healthy nature, and their gluten-free rice noodle base. As a result, Japan’s rice noodle distribution volume has reached record highs year after year.

Thus, rice noodles introduced from Taiwan to Japan have evolved uniquely within Japanese food culture. Now, delivering 'Kenmin Yakihapfun'—nurtured in Japan—to Taiwan, the hometown of my grandfather Kenmin, brings us great joy. It is also an expression of deep gratitude to Taiwan, the origin of both our company and rice noodles, and a heartfelt wish for all Taiwanese people to embrace it. The Taiwanese market, as the authentic home of rice noodles, is mature and faces high import tariffs, making business expansion far from easy. However, together with our local partner, we aim to sell 100,000 servings in the first year and reach 1 million servings annually by 2030. We sincerely hope that rice noodles, once brought from Taiwan to Japan, will now become a beloved part of daily life in Taiwan once again.