Japanese cup yakisoba now directs you to "Instructions via QR Code"—Understanding the Pros and Cons and the Manufacturer's Intent

1. What Happened? —— The Initial SNS Post and "Mixed Reactions"

On September 7, a post spread on Japanese social media claiming that the inner lid of cup yakisoba lacked cooking instructions and only directed users to a QR code. By the next day, major media outlets had picked up the story. The debate centered around the convenience of having instructions on the lid versus the defense of cost-saving efforts through standardized labeling.

ITmedia NEWS highlights the mixed reactions and includes interviews with the manufacturer. According to the article, the topic had garnered tens of thousands of "likes" at the time it went viral (numbers fluctuate over time). Hatena Bookmark

2. Which Product? Which Company? —— Maruka Foods Known for "Peyoung"

The subject of the buzz is Maruka Foods, based in Isesaki City, Gunma Prefecture, known for the "Peyoung" series, a staple brand in Japan. The company's packaging is characterized by a structure that divides information between the outer film and the inner lid, with the recent QR code implementation simplifying the inner lid's display. Summaries on social media and Hatena Bookmark shared that this feature was observed across multiple products from the manufacturer. Hatena Bookmark

3. Manufacturer's Explanation —— "Cost Reduction," "Instructions on Outer Packaging," "QR Leads to Product List"

In response to ITmedia's inquiries, the manufacturer cited "cost reduction (standardization of inner lid printing)" as the main reason for the current design. They explained that cooking instructions are also printed on the outer film, allowing users to confirm them via either the outer packaging or the QR code. Scanning the QR code directs users to the company's website product list, where selecting the relevant product reveals a photo guide with "water amount, waiting time, and steps" at the bottom of the page. Hatena BookmarkITmediaMaruka Foods Co., Ltd.

Reference: On social media, users shared dissatisfaction with the user experience, noting that "searching from the list is cumbersome" and expressing a desire for "at least the '3-minute wait time' on the inner lid." Hatena Bookmark

4. Regulatory Clarification —— Japan's "Display Requirements" and Discretion on "Where to Write"

In Japan, instant noodles are required to display "cooking instructions" (Fair Competition Code), but there is no strict mandate on which surface to display them. Therefore, a structure where instructions are on the outer packaging and the inner lid is supplemented by a QR code can fit within the regulatory framework. Additionally, the Food Labeling Act guidelines organize the basic display items, requiring processed foods to display information on "container packaging" according to its use. jfftc.orgConsumer Affairs Agency, Cabinet Office

5. Where Are the Actual "Instructions"? —— Information Design on the Official Page

On Maruka Foods' official website, the page for the representative "Peyoung Sauce Yakisoba" clearly displays cooking instructions (water amount guideline, waiting time, photo steps). Even if the outer packaging is discarded, the essentials can be checked by opening the relevant page on a smartphone. The challenge lies in the lengthy process: "QR→product list→find the relevant item→instructions at the bottom of the page." There is room for improvement in the UI flow, such as shortening it by linking the QR directly to the individual product page. Maruka Foods Co., Ltd.ITmedia

6. Points of Debate Between Supporters and Opponents (Reorganized from a Foreign Perspective)

Opponents' Arguments

• Inconvenience Offline: In areas with weak signals, on airplanes, or during disasters, a design reliant on internet connectivity can be problematic at the "worst possible times."

• Attention Guidance Issue: At the moment of preparation, the inner lid is in view. Not having "even the waiting time" there is weak in terms of UX.

• Increased Effort: Even after scanning the QR code, a list→search is needed, with many clicks required to reach the desired information. Hatena Bookmark

Supporters' Arguments

• Cost Structure: By stopping individual printing on inner lids and standardizing them, material, printing, and process management are simplified, optimizing costs.

• Information Update Capability: With the web, dynamic information provision, such as cooking videos and multilingual support, is possible.dynamic.

• Redundant Display: Since the instructions are on the outer packaging, "at least legally and practically," the necessary requirements are met. Hatena Bookmark

7. Multilingual Support and the Perspective of Being "Foreigner-Friendly"

The design of directing users to the official site via QR code is compatible with browser translation and text-to-speech functions, offering advantages to visiting tourists and foreign residents who may not fully read Japanese. On social media, it was noted that the QR page structure—product list→individual page→instructions—can be accessed through translation and text-to-speech. However, to maximize these benefits, further UX refinement, such as "direct linking" and "automatic switch to English pages," is necessary. X (formerly Twitter)

8. Accessibility —— Elderly, Visually Impaired, and Universal Design

The debate also involves the topic of "readability." For those with presbyopia who find small text difficult to read, QR guidance that allows for smartphone magnification is helpful. However, for those "not accustomed to using smartphones" or without "mobile connectivity," it becomes a barrier. Considering this "polarization," a hybrid design where only the minimum information (e.g., waiting time, water amount) is directly printed on the inner lid, with details available via QR, is a practical solution. X (formerly Twitter)

9. Risk Management —— How Necessary Are Instructions on "How to Drain Hot Water" and Burn Warnings?

Instant yakisoba involves a draining process, making burn risk warnings crucial. The Fair Competition Code and related guidelines require "display according to characteristics," meaning safety warnings should be clearly stated on "some surface."A three-layer structure of thorough outer packaging display + minimal inner lid notation + detailed web information is a configuration that balances safety assurance and cost. jfftc.orgConsumer Affairs Agency, Cabinet Office

10. Case Comparison —— The Pros and Cons of "QR Leading to a List"

The QR code's design of "first leading to a product list" has been a point of criticism. Users want to know the instructions for the "product they are currently holding," so directly transitioning to the individual product page is more rational. Past review articles and social media have confirmed the flow of list→individual→instructions, and simply standardizing the QR link destination to the individual product URL would significantly improve the experience. Takeshoku!ITmedia

11. Proposals —— "Compromise Design" Between Manufacturers and Users

• Directly print "minimum information" on the inner lid: Example) "Boil for 3 minutes, approx. 480ml."

• QR links directly to "individual product pages", with a fixed "instruction summary" block at the top.

• Offline support: Prepare for unstable signals by including caution pictograms and mini instructions (illustrations) on the outer packaging and inner lid.

• Always display multilingual buttons: Place UI for switching to major languages like English at the top of the page.

• Accessibility: Prepare for photo and text enlargement and voice reading support (alt text).

• Transparency: Carefully explain the reasons for changes in display specifications (cost, environmental considerations, etc.) to gain user understanding.

12. Conclusion —— The Current State of "Japanese Instant Noodle Culture x Digitalization"

The strength of Japanese instant noodles lies in their "ease of preparation for anyone," and the challenge is how to overlay the rationality of digitalization (cost, updateability, multilingual support) onto this. The current QR specification can fit within legal frameworks, but lacks the "minimum information needed at the moment of cooking," causing friction in the last mile of the user experience.##