Japanese Train With One Of Nation’s Most Scenic Routes Runs On Ramen Broth Fuel

In many cultures, not finishing your meal is frowned upon. Those who are cutting back calories or have smaller appetites will therefore rejoice at this slurp-worthy news bite, delivered straight from Japan.

The Takachiho Amaterasu Railway is embracing the leftovers and using fuel made from ramen drippings. The diesel alternative came about after a restaurant owner complained about having to pay for a waste disposal company to get rid of the tonkotsu (pork stock) broth that patrons could not finish. This classic noodle dish is on the fattier side, so leftovers are expected.

The restauranteur had confided in Masumi Nishida, the chairman of shipping company Nishida Logistics, who then got the idea to convert the ramen broth into biodiesel, SoraNews24 reports. The logistics firm set up equipment in the eatery that could separate the meal’s ingredients from its lard content, which could be turned into biofuel. 

That was about 10 years ago. Since then, Nishida Logistics has made the food-based diesel commercially available to more partners, including the railway company, which adopted the oil in August. Half of Nishida Logistics’ 170 trucks are also powered by this recycled alternative.

Apart from the grease from leftover ramen broth, the formula includes old cooking oil used to fry tempura. Seeing as how cooking oil is one of the more prevalent ingredients in sustainable fuel, the concept of reusing oil from noodle dishes and shrimp fritters shouldn’t be too surprising.

The railway operator is expected to use up about 400 liters (105 gallons) of the food-based fuel per month, reports national broadcaster NHK.

Accordingly, the biofuel emits less smoke, offering passengers a more pleasant experience when they peer out of their windows on the open-air train. Takachiho, a small city in Japan’s Miyazaki Prefecture, is beloved for its rich mythology and nature, and it’s home to sights like a majestic gorge and waterfall.

The exhaust reportedly does smell of fried rice or ramen broth, which is, frankly, another bonus. Is this a Studio Ghibli film or what?

高千穂あまてらす鉄道のグランドスーパーカートは、先日からラーメン用に使った豚骨活用のバイオ燃料で走っとる。#もふ散歩 pic.twitter.com/XPi2kKzLHb

— もふけも ☀️🐕‍🦺🚃 (@MFKM_WFWF) November 21, 2022

[via SoraNews24 and NHK, images via various sources]