A popular ramen shop in Sapporo suddenly posted, "We are truly sorry for the trouble our manager has caused..." and it's become a hot topic. The post included a customer's review, and its content was shocking. What on earth happened?

We are truly sorry for the trouble our manager has caused...

Source: @T_ginparou's post

The review said, "The manager looks so much like the YouTuber HIKAKIN that it's shocking, and I completely forgot what the ramen tasted like by the time I went to pay." Comments poured in, such as "Makes me want to go see for myself," and "If you forgot, you'll just have to eat it again." Actual customers also commented, "He really does look like him." At this point, you just have to see his face, right? Does he really look like HIKAKIN?

We interviewed the manager in question. And his face is...

The post was made by the official X account of the Sapporo Teine branch of Ramen Ginparou, a popular ramen chain with six locations in Ebetsu, Sapporo, and Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido. We spoke directly with the manager himself.

This has become a hot topic. Do people often tell you that you look like HIKAKIN?

The manager, Mr. Tsuchida, who is famous for looking like HIKAKIN

It's an uncanny resemblance that makes you understand why people say it! You might do a double-take when you're paying at the register. Even more surprisingly, Mr. Tsuchida and HIKAKIN share the same birthday! Among some Ginparou fans, there's a rumor that they were "twins in a past life."

"A place where customers with children can also dine at ease" - A family-friendly ramen shop

Ginparou Teine Branch opened in March 2016 and is celebrating its 8th anniversary. The shop serves a unique and delicious ramen characterized by its fragrant soy sauce, garlic, and sesame flavors. It's also popular with families, and they make special efforts for them, such as serving ramen at different times to make it easier for those with children to eat, and holding hands-on "Ramen Classes" in the summer and winter, where kids can make ramen together in the kitchen.

The shop is full of fun, with other events like a giant-serving challenge! "I hope our customers can have fun beyond just the meal, and that's how we operate every day!" says Mr. Tsuchida.

The Abura Soba from the giant food challenge menu

Mr. Tsuchida's top recommendation is the "Paiku-men," a hearty bowl of ramen topped with a generous portion of fried pork belly. He recommends the soy sauce flavor, saying the secret is the soy sauce tare, which is packed with the umami of chashu pork.

The recommended Paiku-men

The manager with a cheerful personality welcomes you at Ginparou Teine Branch

Ginparou Teine Branch is loved by many for its staff's warm hospitality and delicious ramen. Why not stop by when you're in the area? And if you're so shocked by the manager's appearance that you forget the taste... you'll just have to go back for another bowl!

Ginparou Sapporo Teine Branch

■Address: 1-7-19 Tomioka 3-jo, Teine-ku, Sapporo
■Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Last order at 8:00 PM)
Click here for details and map information for "Ginparou Sapporo Teine Branch"