A scenic train ride in Takachiho, Japan, powered by ramen soup and used cooking oil, has commenced operations since the beginning of August.
Staff pouring biodiesel made from ramen soup into the train – (Photo: MAINICHI)
According to the Mainichi newspaper, the ramen soup-powered train began serving tourists on August 1 and is operated by Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Company in Takachiho, located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
The Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Company operates the train using biodiesel fuel, which is a blend of used cooking oil and pork fat extracted from discarded ramen soup.
The refining ratio for this special biodiesel is 9:1, combining tempura frying oil (from seafood and vegetables) mixed with pork fat extracted from Tonkotsu ramen or pork bone broth.
Tourists excited to try the unique fuel-powered train – (Photo: MAINICHI)
This interesting idea was developed by Nishida Shoun Transport Company in Shingu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Shortly thereafter, they garnered interest from Takachiho Amaterasu Railway Company, which is keen on environmentally friendly biofuel sources.
After multiple test runs in mid-June, Takachiho Amaterasu Company found that the train’s engine operated smoothly without issues on inclines, and there was no black smoke or strong exhaust smell typically associated with conventional diesel fuels, while the costs remained comparable.
According to the Mainichi, when staff poured fuel into the train on the morning of August 1, the engine emitted a fragrance reminiscent of stir-fried oil from a Chinese restaurant.
“It’s amazing that a scenic train can run on ramen soup,” shared Naoki Akimoto, a 38-year-old passenger from Osaka.
