New Year's Greetings: Welcoming 2026 in Kuala Lumpur

Table of Contents

1. New Year's Greetings

Happy New Year.
Thank you very much for your support of our soy milk ramen specialty shop, "Touzen," throughout the past year.We look forward to your continued support this year.

I spent this New Year's Eve away from Japan, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Welcoming the New Year in a different place with a different atmosphere gave me time to think deeply about "food," our "shops," and our future development.

2. A 7-hour wait for New Year's Eve in front of the Petronas Twin Towers

On New Year's Eve, I went to the countdown event held in front of the Petronas Twin Towers, which can be called the symbol of Kuala Lumpur.
Actually, securing a spot for this event was more grueling than I imagined, involving a 7-hour wait. Moreover, we were hit by a torrential downpour midway through, so I spent the final hours of the year in a harsh, ascetic-like state, waiting in the front row while holding an umbrella.

After the evening passed and it started to get dark, people began to gather once the music started, and before I knew it, the area was filled with people from all over the world. Local singers and DJs performed one after another, and as the countdown approached, the excitement at the venue reached its peak. When the moment of the New Year arrived, the fireworks launched on the other side of the Twin Towers were breathtaking, and it was an experience that made me honestly think, "Ah, I'm glad I waited this long!"
As an aside, two Israeli girls who survived the downpour with me struck up a conversation, and we became friends, took photos together, and exchanged Instagram handles. They seemed to like Chiikawa, and they were 19 and 20 years old, studying to become radiographers. We promised to show them around Kyoto if they ever come to Japan.

There is a strange feeling about welcoming the New Year in a foreign land that somehow makes you return to your roots. I also welcomed the New Year in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, but at that time, I spent New Year's Eve at a hotel near TOWZEN in Damansara. I could see the New Year's fireworks going off in the distance from the hotel window, so I had decided to watch them up close next time. I'm glad I achieved my revenge.

3. Thoughts from visiting TOWZEN in Damansara

At the end of the year, I also went to visit (what I call a meal) "TOWZEN" in Damansara, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur.
What surprised me upon arrival was the full house and the line.Even though it was a busy time at the end of the year, seeing firsthand how well-supported we are by our customers was very inspiring.
Furthermore, I was greeted and encouraged by a super regular customer who has also visited our shop in Japan.

While enjoying the food, I once again realized the fact that "soy milk ramen is accepted across borders and cultures."
At the same time, I was able to bring back many hints on what we should polish and how we should develop as Touzen from now on.

4. An overly comfortable place to stay in Kuala Lumpur

The hotel I stayed at this time was also very impressive.
The room had a location where you could see the Petronas Twin Towers a little bit.That alone was enough, but it came with a washing machine, two rooms, and one large living room.

Furthermore, the toilet and shower room were separate, making it truly convenient for daily life.
There was also a gym (minimal) and an infinity pool (for children), and it was so comfortable that I felt like I could "live here normally" rather than just a "short-term stay."

The living environment while traveling is directly linked to healing daily fatigue, isn't it?

5. Spending every day in short sleeves and shorts

The climate in Kuala Lumpur was also the best.
Despite it being the New Year season, it was warm enough to spend every day in short sleeves and shorts. It is completely different from winter in Japan, and both my body and mind naturally feel lighter.

Living in this climate, my sense of "food" and "living" has changed a little. Don't push yourself, but enjoy it.
I feel that this feeling will also be applied to our shop creation from now on.

6. Towards 2026

Welcoming the New Year in a foreign land, visiting a shop with a line, a comfortable stay, and a warm climate. This trip was not just a vacation, but a precious time to think about the future of our soy milk ramen specialty shop, "Touzen."

In 2026, I would like to make it a year where I gradually give shape to the concepts I have been nurturing.
Both as a shop and as an individual, I will not fear challenges and will move forward one step at a time.

We look forward to your continued support of Mamezen this year.