Ajisen Ramen opened in the fall of 2016 in a completely remodeled space formerly occupied by Coco’s Family Restaurant on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego's Asian food hub of Kearny Mesa. Its arrival was part of San Diego’s ramen boom and introduced local diners to Kyushu-style ramen - featuring thin, straight noodles designed to pair perfectly with the brand's milky pork bone broth.
Founded in 1968 in Kumamoto, Japan by Takaharu Shigemitsu, Ajisen Ramen quickly earned a reputation for its richly flavored tonkotsu soup, enhanced by its proprietary Senmiyu sauce and known for being high in collagen - touted for its health and anti-aging benefits. The chain began its global expansion in 1996 and opened its first U.S. location in New York City in 2001, reportedly becoming the first ramen restaurant in the city.
Over the years, Ajisen grew to operate over 700 locations worldwide, including stores in Japan, Australia, Canada, and several parts of the U.S. At its peak in California, the company operated multiple restaurants in cities like Rowland Heights, Irvine, and Temple City, in addition to the now-closing San Diego location. The Kearny Mesa branch remained the chain's only San Diego outpost and served as a go-to destination for quick-service ramen, izakaya-style snacks, rice bowls, sushi, and mochi desserts.
The closure follows earlier shutdowns of the Rowland Heights and Irvine locations, leaving only three remaining Ajisen Ramen branches in the United States - Temple City, California, and two in New York City. While no formal reason has been given for the San Diego closure, it reflects broader challenges faced by international dining chains operating in a competitive and evolving U.S. restaurant landscape.
Ajisen Ramen will close its doors at 7398 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego's Kearny Mesa after end of service on Saturday, July 26. For more information, visit ajisenusa.com.
Originally published on July 21, 2025.
