Photo/Illutration The ultimate version of the “ekisoba” noodle dish developed by Maneki Foods Co. for the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo is unveiled in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, on Jan. 14. (Toru Amemiya)

HIMEJI, Hyogo Prefecture--Visitors to the Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 can try Himeji’s specialty usually served at train stations (“eki”) for commuters on the run.

The “ekisoba” noodle dish is a quick local snack sold at a cheap price.

But an upgraded version will be offered for eight times the original price at the world's fair, which is scheduled to open April 13.

Himeji-based Maneki Foods Co., which offers ekisoba and “ekiben” boxed meals, will operate a two-story shop in front of the Forest of Tranquility Zone at the expo venue.

According to the company, a restaurant with about 80 seats on the first floor will dish out ekisoba, rice bowls and other meals.

The highlight of its menu is the ultimate ekisoba, a luxury edition of a tempura-topped ekisoba bowl sold for 480 yen ($3.20), including tax.

Using Japanese “dashi” stock as a base, the soup will be adorned with extracts from scallops and “hamaguri” clams.

It will be topped with sliced Kobe beef shoulder roast, a soft-boiled egg and other items, containing raw Chinese noodles.

It will be priced at 3,850 yen.

The treat will be served in a lacquer bowl being produced by Taya-Shikkiten Co., a famed lacquerware store in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Staff will wear uniforms designed by Michiko Koshino, a world-renowned fashion designer who hails from Osaka Prefecture.

“Ekiben sold most in 1970 when the previous Osaka Expo was held,” Maneki Foods President Noritaka Takeda said during a news conference held in Himeji on Jan. 14. “I want to liven up the mood during the six-month run because I want Japan to regain its vitality once again.”

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