Shin-Sen-Gumi, a Southern California-based Japanese restaurant group known for its Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, is preparing to open in Los Angeles at 368 E 2nd Street.
The company’s 16th location is set to move into the former home of Hakata Ikkousha Ramen, according to a recent liquor license application. While an exact opening date has not been announced, customers can expect the group’s traditional Hakata ramen served with customizable noodle textures and broth richness, along with sides and Japanese beverages.
Shin-Sen-Gumi was founded in 1992 by Mitsuyasu Shigeta, who opened the first yakitori location in Gardena. Since then, the group has expanded to operate 15 restaurants across Southern California and Japan, including ramen shops, izakayas, and takeout-focused stores. The company emphasizes customer hospitality, operational consistency, and year-round service.
The restaurant already operates one Little Tokyo location on Central Avenue, which opened in 2011. The addition of a second storefront in the neighborhood underscores the company’s continued focus on serving high-foot-traffic Japanese cultural districts. The expansion also follows the brand’s growth in Irvine, Rosemead, Alhambra, West LA, and Anaheim.
The new Little Tokyo location will likely feature the brand’s core menu of Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen, rice bowls, gyoza, and other side dishes. Known for its rich pork-based broth and quick-service format, Shin-Sen-Gumi’s ramen concept has built a wide customer base among both Japanese expats and local diners.
Founder Mitsuyasu Shigeta is known for challenging conventional thinking in LA’s Japanese dining scene, including introducing pork-based ramen at a time when it was considered risky. His focus on staff development, customer service, and cultural exchange has guided the group’s steady growth for over 30 years.
