Meet the ‘YUMEN’: Adorable Noodle-Ghosts Seeking Love in a New Picture Book
Get ready to slurp up some charm! A beloved line of Japanese capsule toys, “YUMEN” (幽麺), featuring ghosts cleverly disguised as various noodle dishes, is making its literary debut. PHP Institute, a Kyoto-based publisher, is set to release the picture book “YUMEN” on December 26, 2025. This enchanting new title, priced at 1,760 yen (10% tax included), brings the quirky characters from the popular “Panda’s ana” brand to a new audience, revealing their unique personalities and secrets.
The Japanese capsule toy market has been experiencing a significant boom, with the Japan Capsule Toy Association (JACTA) reporting a record-breaking market size of approximately 140 billion yen in fiscal year 2024. Amidst this surge, “Panda’s ana,” a joint venture by Dentsu Promotion Plus and T-ARTS, has consistently captured public attention since its launch in September 2013. With over 34 million units sold domestically by August 2025, the brand is known for its imaginative creations like “ZooZooZoo” and “Fruit Zombie.”
The Hauntingly Relatable Appeal of Noodle-Loving Spirits
“YUMEN” stands out as a fan favorite, portraying ghosts that have transformed into universally adored noodle dishes such as spaghetti, ramen, and udon. The core concept, “I want to be loved by becoming a noodle,” resonates deeply with adults and children alike. Social media is abuzz with comments like, “They’re ghosts, but they’re not scary!” and “I totally get how they feel.” This emotional connection underscores the characters’ universal desire for acceptance and friendship. The picture book ‘YUMEN’ humorously illustrates these noodle-ghosts’ transformations, exploring the poignant question, “How can I make friends with people?”
The book, crafted by Ayaka Katsumori (creator of “YUMEN” and “YUMEN II”) and Yuji Morioka (character setter for “Panda’s ana” works), both from Dentsu Promotion Plus, serves as a delightful character guide. It delves into the specific traits of each noodle-ghost, linking their personalities to the characteristics of their chosen noodle form. For instance, the “Ramen YUMEN” varies in personality depending on its soup, noodles, and toppings. The book also introduces readers to their fellow “Men-bers” (a playful pun on ‘noodles’ and ‘members’). To further engage young readers, each character’s “flavor” is rated across four categories: sweetness, spiciness, sourness, and oiliness, subtly encouraging an interest in food. The aim is to spark a sense of wonder in children, making them wonder if their everyday spaghetti or ramen might just be a “YUMEN” in disguise.
A Deeper Look into the Noodle-Ghost Family
Here are some of the charming “YUMEN” characters featured in the book:
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No.01 Meat Spaghetti YUMEN: A playful trickster. It’s said that if you say “Say cheese!” while sprinkling cheese, it will strike a peace sign for the camera.
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No.02 Ramen YUMEN: A passionate type. Its personality changes depending on the soup, noodles, and toppings.
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No.03 Hiyashi Chuka YUMEN (Cold Chuka Noodles): Calm (and cold). Despite being a noodle, it hates the heat.
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No.04 Zaru Soba YUMEN: Shy. It dislikes being the center of attention on a bamboo sieve and yearns to dive into the dipping sauce.
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No.05 Curry Udon YUMEN: Always cautious when moving to avoid splattering its curry soup.
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No.06 Yakisoba YUMEN: A lively character that pops up at festivals nationwide, loving to get everyone excited.
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No.07 Pho YUMEN: Mysterious personality. Foreign-born from Vietnam, a YUMEN born from rice.
Book Details and Creators
The picture book ‘YUMEN’ marks a significant expansion for these beloved characters.
Authors:
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Ayaka Katsumori: An art director and graphic designer at Dentsu Promotion Plus, known for her character development and illustration. She is the mind behind the “YUMEN,” “YUMEN II,” and “Tenshi Dim Sum” capsule toy series.
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Yuji Morioka: A copywriter at Dentsu Promotion Plus, who also spearheads product planning and development. He has brought numerous “Panda’s ana” projects to life, including the “Yamamoto-kun” mini-book novels and “Kasutsumuri.” More recently, he developed the board game “Lero Lero Sakaba.”
Publication Information:
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Title: YUMEN
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Authors: Ayaka Katsumori / Yuji Morioka (Story and Illustrations)
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Price: 1,760 yen (10% tax included)
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Recommended Age: 4-5 years old (PHP Nikko Nikko Ehon Series)
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Format: A4 variant
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Binding: Hardcover
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Pages: 32 pages
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ISBN: 978-4-569-88246-8
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Publisher: PHP Institute
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Release Date: December 26, 2025
The term “Gacha” is a registered trademark of T-ARTS Co., Ltd.
©Panda’s ana
The Future of Kawaii Culture: Relatable Quirks Go Global
The release of the ‘YUMEN’ picture book highlights a fascinating trend in Kawaii culture: the evolution from purely cute aesthetics to characters that embody relatable emotions and playful narratives. These noodle-ghosts, with their endearing desire for connection, offer a unique blend of “spooky” and “sweet” that transcends cultural barriers. As Japanese characters continue to capture hearts worldwide, ‘YUMEN’ demonstrates how original angles—like finding charm in the unexpected transformation of ghosts into everyday food—can expand the global appeal of Kawaii, fostering imaginative play and emotional resonance for children and adults alike.
