The Japan Centre has opened a retro Showaken ramen bar in London which transports diners back in time to Tokyo’s Showa period.

The flagship Piccadilly location houses the noodle bar, dubbed Showaken Tokyo Shitamachi Ramen. As the Japan Centre was founded in 1976 – at the height of the Showa period, which spanned the reign of Emperor Hirohito from 1926 to 1989 – Showaken’s interiors pay homage to its origins.

Red lacquer tables and seats hone a ‘cheap eats’ vibe inside the London restaurant, while the window counter has space for 23 diners to slurp noodles next to strangers. Herringbone floor tiles, Japanese paper lanterns and kitschy period advertisements complete the look.

Japan’s ramen bars traditionally provided cheap and hearty eats, and Showaken offers signature Tokyo, Hokkaido and vegetarian ramens.

Japan Centre, 35b Panton St, London SW1Y 4EA

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