Japan’s Newest Billionaire is a College Dropout Who Built a Global Udon Noodle Empire

In a tale of culinary entrepreneurship, a college dropout has achieved billionaire status, propelling Japan’s noodle scene to global prominence. Takaya Awata, the visionary founder and CEO of Toridoll Holdings, has risen to prominence with a 48% stake in the company valued at an impressive $1.1 billion. The catalyst for Awata’s remarkable journey was his brainchild, the Marugame Seimen restaurant chain, renowned for its delectable “udon noodles.” The chain has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with shares surging by nearly 50% this year, riding the wave of post-pandemic dining fervor. As of the latest market data, Toridoll’s shares were exchanging hands at 3,930 Japanese yen, equivalent to around $27.