Open for Business

Owner Hiroshi Yamauchi in front of Kouraku on Second Street in Little Tokyo. (MIKEY HIRANO CULROSS/Rafu Shimpo)

Rafu Staff Report

Kouraku restaurant owner Hiroshi Yamauchi spent a good portion of Monday afternoon working to assure his employees and customers that the longtime Little Tokyo eatery has no plans to close any time soon.

A rumor on social media last week suggested an end for the diner, known for its ramen and other dishes, but Yamauchi, who has owned and operated Kouraku since 1986, was adamant that he will be open for business well into the future.

“Customers were coming in and calling over the weekend, asking if we’re closing, and we had to tell them absolutely not,” he said.

Yamauchi said he was surprised and touched by most of the in-person and online comments in support of Kouraku. “Great comfort food!” read one posting, while another lauded its dedication to traditional ramen in a growing trend of “hipster noodle bars.”

“This situation has led me to rediscover the love that our customers have for us and for our food,” Yamauchi explained. “We are looking forward to continue providing the best service and the best dishes possible.”