William One method of determining Japanese origin is by ramen type. I learned that, in my hometown of Los Angeles, ramen type is of Kumamoto. Apparently, many Higo-ko immigrated there during the famines of the ’30s, as did Mexicans - so yeah, we’ve got a lot of great food. Assimilation was difficult but ultimately successful. Of note: If you eat ramen in LA, it’s likely of the Kumamoto variety.