Image used for illustrative purposes

Japan’s Chicken Ramen mascot terrifies school children with horrific image of summer vacation’s end

While the ever-popular Cup Noodle may be considered their flagship ramen, Chicken Ramen is another of Nissin's beloved long-time sellers. The instant ramen's noodles comes with a chicken broth-based seasoning cooked into it, and is beloved for its simple but rich flavor. The ramen is also known for its mascot, Hiyoko-chan, a cartoon chicken featured on its label.

For some children, Hiyoko-chan might be associated with nightmares as well the ramen she represents going forward, however. Hiyoko took to Twitter with a message expressing regret over poor summer vacation planning, and an image that has many on Twitter horrified.

"I'm jealous of you that can still enjoy your summer vacation."

The distressed and zombie-like look on Hiyoko-chan's face is straight up chilling. Meanwhile, her desk is cluttered with empty Chicken Ramen bowls, mysterious Chicken Ramen energy drinks (which might be the most horrifying part of the picture), and textbooks stacked up higher than her head. In her message, Hiyoko-chan is referencing having put off summer vacation homework assignments that are commonly assigned to school students in Japan. While it's a playful reminder to school children to not procrastinate until the very end, the image has left quite an impact on many in the replies:

"I'm terrified, I'm going to see this in my dreams."

"I think the Chicken Ramen energy drinks and empty notebook are the scariest things here."

"This is like looking upon my past self."


By - grape Japan editorial staff.