by Andrea Wang
First published 2025
In postwar Japan, Momofuku Ando watches hungry people wait in endless lines for bowls of ramen noodles. The sight troubles him deeply. He believes that peace comes from a full stomach, and he decides to act on this conviction. Ando retreats to his makeshift laboratory, a small shed behind his house, where he begins experimenting with a bold idea. He wants to create ramen that cooks quickly, tastes good, and feeds the masses conveniently. Day after day, Ando works on his formula. Night after night, his attempts fail completely. The process frustrates him, but he refuses to quit. He keeps testing new methods, adjusting ingredients, and trying different approaches. Through persistence and creativity, plus a moment of unexpected inspiration, Ando finally succeeds in his mission. His invention transforms how the world eats, bringing affordable nutrition to millions of people everywhere.
Genres: biography, 20th-century, childrens, asian-american
Vibes: thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: mission, persistence
Setting: Japan
Period: Postwar
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