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30 Must-Try Sapporo Ramen Restaurants Recommended By An Expert
Learn where you can eat delicious, authentic ramen in Sapporo, Hokkaido. A ramen enthusiast recommends 30 restaurants in the Sapporo area with classic miso ramen and one-of-a-kind Japanese noodle dishes. Find a shop that fits your travel needs and taste buds!
Sapporo - A Famous Ramen Hot Spot in Japan
With countless ramen restaurants, Sapporo in Hokkaido is considered Japan's number two ramen hotbed after Tokyo. Miso ramen is a regional dish in Sapporo, but more types of ramen are beginning to spring up.
This time, we will introduce some of the most delicious ramen shops in Sapporo, curated by the resident ramen expert at MATCHA, who consumes over 900 bowls of ramen annually and has eaten over 5000 bowls in total.
Ramen Restaurants by Area
Sapporo Station - Odori
Susukino
Hiragishi
Shiroishi
Other
Sapporo Station - Odori Area
1. Casual Miso Ramen in Central Sapporo at Ramen Senjyu, Odori
Ramen Senjyu is recommended for those who would like to try Sapporo's specialty, miso ramen, in the central area of the city. The miso ramen pictured above is 780 yen with tax.
With a delicious balance of aromatic spices and fattiness in the broth, the soup is very bold and a staple of Sapporo's miso ramen. The semi-thick, curly noodles are the authentic type of noodles used in miso ramen in Sapporo. The broth and noodles taste great together.
Order the mouthwatering and cooked-until-tender char siu as an additional topping. Since the store is located in an office district, it will be crowded with office workers during lunchtime on weekdays. We recommend avoiding visiting during that peak time.
2. The Best Shoyu Ramen in Sapporo at Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q, Odori
One ramen shop in Sapporo that our writer highly recommends is Japanese Ramen Noodle Lab Q. There are three types of ramen: shoyu soy sauce, chicken paitan (*1), and mazesoba (mixed noodles) available. First-time visitors should try the Chintan Shoyu (850 yen with tax).
The simple but exquisite shoyu ramen is made using ingredients such as local chicken and soy sauce. The noodles are homemade and use flour from Hokkaido, and pair wonderfully with the broth. Additional toppings like the char-siu are also a great choice.
The shop is right by the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, making it convenient when sightseeing in the city. At night, the shop turns into a yakitori, or grilled chicken skewer, restaurant. Customers who indulged in ramen during the day can enjoy a few drinks here in the evening. Ramen can also be ordered from 17:00-19:30 from Monday to Wednesday every week.
*1 chicken paitan: A white soup made using broth from chicken cooked for many hours. It resembles tonkotsu pork broth but it does not have a strong scent and is easy to eat.
3. Ramen with Local Ingredients at Ramen Sapporo Ichiryuan, Sapporo Station
Taste one-of-a-kind ramen made using local Hokkaido ingredients at Ramen Sapporo Ichiryuan. One of the most popular items on the extensive menu is the Genki no Deru Miso Ramen shown in the picture above (900 yen with tax).
Genki no Deru Miso Ramen is miso ramen unlike other Sapporo miso ramen. It contains slightly bitter flavor notes and is best suited for mature palate. You can taste the uniqueness with the scrambled egg topping and faint garlic. The homemade noodles made using wheat from Hokkaido are as tasty as the broth.
Ichiryuan is conveniently accessed, as it is inside a building connected to Sapporo Station. Many international visitors come to dine here, and they also have a menu in English. The only downside is the service is slightly slow. If you go at a busy time, you may be waiting for a while.
4. The Original Sapporo Miso Ramen at Aji no Sanpei, Odori
The famed miso ramen of Sapporo is said to have started at Aji no Sanpei. This ramen restaurant makes salt and soy sauce based ramen, but the miso ramen shown above (850 yen with tax) is ordered frequently.
Post World War II, when many Japanese people were living in poverty, Aji no Sanpei wanted to create ramen that would be nutritious and filling, which resulted in miso ramen. Miso is a fermented food product, good for health, and the ramen is topped with plenty of vegetables. This miso ramen has been around Sapporo for over sixty years.
The shop is located in central Sapporo, making it convenient to try the original Sapporo miso ramen. They also have a kid's menu so it is a great place for families to enjoy a satisfying bowl of ramen together.
5. Garlic Miso Ramen at Sapporo Ramen Tunatori, Sapporo Station
Sapporo Ramen Tunatori is another highly-recommended restaurant. Their menu has classic Sapporo miso ramen and many other choices. Order the Garlic Miso shown in the picture above (850 yen with tax).
The fresh garlic from Aomori Prefecture blends well with the soup, giving it a bold garlic flavor and refined taste without a strong aroma. It is extremely delicious. As the shop is located a central office district, you'd think garlic ramen would be unpopular, but it is actually a favorite of because of its superb flavor.
The owner comes up with new ramen featuring unique flavors regularly. You can only find out what limited and seasonal ramen there is with a visit, so go and check to see for yourself.
Susukino Area
6. A Tasty Ramen Menu at Shingen Minami 6 Jo Branch, Susukino
Ramen Shingen Minami 6 Jo Branch is often bustling with Sapporo locals and travelers. Its main location in Ishikari, Hokkaido. There are six types of ramen offered here. In particular, our writer recommends the Echigo Kara Miso (760 yen with tax) pictured above.
This ramen is not as oily as standard Sapporo miso ramen. It is also light, while still being satisfying. The dishes here are very large, so there is no need to worry if you're hungry!
Another item on the menu not to be missed at Ramen Shingen is the fried rice. It is as delicious as the fried rice you would find at a specialty restaurant. As the evening progresses, the restaurant becomes busy, so if you wish to avoid the crowd, visit during the daytime.
7. Line Up at Night for Ramen at Isono Kazuo, Susukino
Isono Kazuo is a popular ramen shop that has long lines, even in the evening, in Sapporo's busiest quarter, Susukino. While you can enjoy classic Sapporo miso ramen here, nearly 80% of customers order the Sapporo Black pictured above (800 yen with tax).
Sapporo Black has a rich soy sauce-based broth that is not overly salty. There is also garlic in the dish that adds another layer of flavor. Many customers line up for this truly unique ramen. Isono Kazuo also offers half-sized ramen bowls that make a perfect to wrap up the night after drinks.
The restaurant opens at 22:00. The later becomes, the more crowded the restaurant becomes. It is best to visit when they first open. In addition, please note that the shop is inside a small building and can be difficult to find.
8. New Sapporo Gourmet at Ebisoba Ichigen Main Branch, Susukino - Higashi Honganji-mae
Ebisoba Ichigen Main Branch is known for its ramen with pink shrimp broth. Customers can choose between three soup bases with salt, shoyu or miso, as well as from three levels of flavor concentration of the shrimp soup. We suggest trying Ebishio Sonomama pictured above (780 yen with tax).
The soup is made using pink shrimp extract and shrimp flavored-oil, making the entire ramen taste and smell entirely of shrimp. Shrimp lovers will become hooked to this dish. Keep in mind this ramen is not recommended to people who do not like shrimp.
This dish is considered a new gourmet dish in Sapporo, and the restaurant is usually filled with many customers. There is a branch in New Chitose Airport, so visitors can finish their Sapporo trip by eating a bowl at Ichigen before boarding the plane.
9. Excellent Ramen in a Stylish Space, Bon no Kaze, Nishisen ku jo Asahiyama koen dori
Located slightly away from central Sapporo is Bon no Kaze, another highly-reviewed ramen shop. There are many choices on the menu, but try the chukasoba jyun tori dashi shoyu first (750 yen with tax).
The dark soup with soy sauce base may appear to be filled with sodium, but it has an aromatic and mild flavor that is not overly salty. This ramen allows diners to relish the simplistic flavors of soy sauce and chicken broth and leaves a fine aftertaste. The presentation of the ramen is gorgeous and gives the dish a perfect touch.
The shop has a relaxing atmosphere with table seating and counter seating. Solo diners are welcome here, but it is also an ideal restaurant for a ramen date.
10. A Must-Go Tsukemen Shop in Sapporo - Sapporo Fujiya, Susukino
The very popular ramen shop in the heart of Susukino known for its tsukemen is Sapporo Fujiya. While they do carry the Sapporo specialty, the miso ramen, but first-timers should try the Shoyu Tsukemen (dipping noodles in soy sauce based soup). The picture shows the half-size, which is 700 yen with tax.
This type of ramen, with soup made of clear tonkotsu pork, dried fish broth, and animal fat, is rare in Sapporo. The thick noodles are filled with flavor and pair deliciously with the soup. If you crave tsukemen in Sapporo, this is one spot you should not miss.
Tsukemen is typically larger than ramen, but there are half-sized portions like the photo. It is a perfect finish after drinking. There's also a miso ramen shop in the building next door, so you can try both.
11. Ramen Great for After Drinks at Hyakusen Menma Onimusha, Susukino
Hyakusen Menma Onimusha is a ramen shop in Susukino recommended by the writer's friend who lives in Sapporo. They have an option-filled menu and delicious food. The writer's personal recommendation is the Musha Shoyu ramen shown in the picture (850 yen with tax).
The aged soy sauce base adds depth to the soup, and grated radish gives it a light aftertaste. While it is satisfying ramen, it's not overwhelming in portion. It is great for dinner and as an evening meal after drinks.
The hours of operation for this shop are especially long, as it is open until 7:00 AM! It is a go-to place for people who are out late. In fact, the later it gets at night, the more crowded it gets.
12. A Must-Visit Susukino Ramen Shop, Men-ya Yukikaze Susukino Main Branch, Susukino
If you were to eat ramen in Sapporo's entertainment district, Susukino, one must-go shop would be Men-ya Yukikaze Susukino Main Branch. They have three types of ramen on the menu. The Noko Miso Ramen (800 yen with tax) in particular is recommended.
The soup is made with smoked oil, creating a distinct flavor and finish different from typical Sapporo miso ramen. This is a high-quality and unique bowl, and it is clear why people line up for it. Their gyoza (dumplings) are a great side dish that is liked by many customers.
The Susukino branch is only open at night and usually has a long line. If you want to try this ramen during the day or do not want to wait, you can go to the Teine branch, located northwest of Sapporo. That branch is open during the day and also serve special Teine branch-only noodles.
Hiragishi Area
13. World-Class Sapporo Miso Ramen at Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch, Sumikawa
The miso ramen from Sapporo Junren Sapporo Branch is considered the best miso ramen in Sapporo, or even in the world, according to our writer. The picture shows the miso ramen with additional char siu (1,130 yen with tax). This ramen truly stands out from the countless miso ramen shops in Sapporo.
The rich and bold soup has enticing miso and spice-filled aroma. There is no other phrase that can describe this ramen other than simply delicious. Generous amounts of lard make a sealant over the soup, preventing heat from escaping during the cold days of Sapporo.
In addition to the miso ramen, we also recommend ordering the fried rice from the side menu. This is known to be one of the most-visited ramen shops in Sapporo, so avoid the lunchtime crowd on weekends.
14. The Top Miso Ramen of Sapporo, Sumire Sapporo Nakanoshima Main Branch, Nakanoshima
Like Sapporo Junren, a ramen shop that highlighted the ramen industry in Sapporo is Sumire Sapporo Nakanoshima Main Branch. They used to have branches in Yokohama and Fukuoka, and their name is known all over Japan. First-timers should try the miso shown in the photo (870 yen with tax).
Lard covers the surface of the piping hot soup with a rich miso flavor and a spicy fragrance. This an exquisite bowl of classic Sapporo miso ramen. However, there is a diluted soup you can ask the staff if you find it too rich.
The shop is large. Despite the number of seats, it is constantly filled with plenty of customers from both Sapporo and out of town. Since it is one of the most popular ramen shops in Sapporo, so it is crowded. Try visiting on a weekday or off-peak hours on the weekends if you want to avoid the wait.
15. Tasty Homemade Noodles at men-eiji HIRAGISHI BASE, Minami Hiragishi
Located outside Sapporo City, men-eiji HIRAGISHI BASE is a restaurant with extremely high ratings from many diners. Our editor personally suggests trying the Tsuke BUTO shown in the picture above (ordered with extra char siu for a total of 1,130 yen with tax.)
The rich gyokai tonkotsu soup (*2) is delicious on its own, but the homemade noodles made using flour from Hokkaido are especially exquisite. The flavors and the texture of the noodles themselves are some of the most satisfying noodles in Sapporo. It's worth taking a trip to Sapporo just to taste these noodles!
There are many other dishes, from miso ramen and lighter ramen varieties to seasonal ramen offered irregularly. The miso ramen here is also a personal recommendation from our editor. It is a unique take on the classic Sapporo miso ramen.
*2 gyokai tonkotsu: A soup made with fish broth added to pork broth. It is a standard soup used for tsukemen (dipping noodles) in Japan.
16. New Wave Sapporo Ramen at Mendokoro Maruha BEYOND, Nakanoshima
Mendokoro Maruha BEYOND is a ramen restaurant that received great popularity since opening. There are four types of ramen to choose on the menu, but we especially recommend the chuuka soba shoyu (pictured above; 750 yen with tax).
The light soup combines clear pork broth and niboshi (*3) and is a flavor rarely found in Sapporo. The ramen has a traditional appearance, but it is truly unique, allowing diners to taste an exquisite harmony of different ingredients. Unlike most restaurants in Sapporo, this shop orders its noodles instead of making them in-house, adding personality to the dish.
The second location Mendokoro Maruha RISE in Sapporo is also worth a visit. This location offers dishes not found elsewhere in Sapporo, like ramen using shellfish-derived broth. It is also a highly-regarded restaurant.
*3 niboshi: Fish that has been boiled and then dried.
17. Top-Notch Chicken Paitan Ramen in Sapporo at Garyumenbu Hien, Sumikawa
Garyumenbu Hien is highly recommended to visitors looking for something other than miso ramen in Sapporo. Their most popular dish is the gyokai shio tori paitan (750 yen with tax).
The broth of this ramen is made by slowly simmering chicken and fish for a long time. The result is a mild soup that is easy to drink and is not too oily. Despite its light taste, the bowl as a whole is very filling and extremely tasty. This is ramen that becomes tastier with every bite!
Garyumenbu Hien is separated from central Sapporo, but it is a must-visit spot for ramen fans. The shop owner also recommends the salt ramen that has a unique grilled lard aroma.
18. Famous Ramen in Sapporo, Menya Saimi, Misono
Menya Saimi can be said to be the most famous ramen restaurant in Sapporo and Hokkaido. The shop owner trained at a well-known ramen shop in Sapporo before opening the restaurant. A customer favorite is the miso ramen pictured above (780 yen with tax).
This dish is a similar type of ramen to the ones at Sapporo Junren or Ramen Senjyu (mentioned above). However, the dish is less comparatively less oily and has a milder taste. It is a miso ramen that will suit all diners and travelers not familiar with typical Sapporo ramen.
There is a long line for this restaurant regardless of the day of the week, but the service is quick, so the wait is not too long. In addition to the miso ramen, the spicy shoyu ramen is also very tasty. It has an addictively delicious flavor with a pleasant spicy aftertaste.
19. Creative Sapporo Tsukemen at Men Furaido, Gakuen-mae
One of the unique traits of Sapporo ramen is how they stir-fry the ingredients in a wok. Men Furaido is a ramen shop that uses this cooking method for their Sapporo tsukemen, drawing many customers, hungry for this novel dish. The writer recommends the Sapporo Tsukemen Miso displayed above (850 yen with tax).
The soup is rich and savory. Despite the fat on the top of the soup, it does not taste overly greasy. The creaminess from the vegetables matches with the noodles and soup, making it a delectable choice. The owner blended the trait of Sapporo miso ramen for an innovative Sapporo tsukemen, making the trip worth it.
There is a different shop on the second floor that serves Asahikawa-style ramen from a different region of Hokkaido. Asahikawa ramen is known for shoyu ramen with strong flavors of niboshi dried fish. It is very different from the Sapporo tsukemen, but is also very popular with many customers.
20. Rare Tonkotsu Ramen in Sapporo at Yamaarashi Main Branch, Hiragishi
Sapporo has few ramen restaurants dedicated to tonkotsu, but Yamaarashi Main Branch is a famous tonkotsu ramen shop. While the menu lists seafood based ramen or spicy ramen, Shiro Soup shown in the picture (800 yen with tax) is one of the most-ordered choices.
The soup does not have a strong smell and has a mild taste. The fatty bits on top of the soup make the bowl satisfying to eat. This shop uses thick noodles to soup and fat, creating a delicious dish that stands out from conventional tonkotsu ramen. This ramen is highly-regarded with Sapporo locals, despite not being unaccustomed to tonkotsu ramen.
Diners who are feeling hungry should order the kaedama noodles for 50 yen. The kaedama noodles are extremely thin and come in different varieties, such as roasted garlic and spicy flavors. You can have fun tasting different flavors in one bowl of ramen.
Shiroishi Area
21. Sapporo's Most Unique Ramen at Ame wa, Yasashiku, Shiroishi
If you're looking for unique ramen not avilable in Tokyo, come to Ame wa, Yasashiku. First-time visitors are recommended to try the miso ramen (pictured above for 800 yen with tax) off the menu.
The soup is made with niboshi, kelp, and other Japanese ingredients and does not contain pork or chicken. This ramen comes with chicken liver paste, which you dissolve into the soup and eat with the ramen. It starts off with a mild flavor but gradually gets more savory and delicious as you continue eating.
Located around a 20-minute taxi ride from JR Sapporo Station, this shop is hard to reach without a car, but it is a must-visit spot for ramen lovers. However, there is also a second location that recently opened near Sapporo Station.
22. Inexpensive and Delicious Niboshi Ramen at Chukasoba California, Kikusui
Chukasoba California is a budget-friendly ramen spot in Sapporo. When visiting, try the Shio Niboshi Soba, pictured above (580 yen with tax). This dish can be enjoyed for a very reasonable price.
The dish is nothing short of delicious, with a refreshing and savory niboshi soup. In addition, no chemical additives are used in this ramen. It's a mystery on how the restaurant makes a profit with this price setting!
Along with its satisfying ramen, the shop is has a California-inspired atmosphere with a brightly-lit, white-colored interior. There are also two table seats where groups and families can relax and savor a bowl of ramen comfortably.
23. Great Ramen and Gyoza at Ise no Jo, Kikusui
Ise no Jo is ramen shop in Sapporo's residential areas with lines going out the door. They serve a variety of ramen different from the standard Sapporo ramen. The writer recommends the Karakuchi Hakusai Ramen (spicy nappa cabbage ramen) for 730 yen with tax.
The tingling spiciness from the peppers in the ramen is addictively delicious and not overly hot. You may feel yourself sweating as you continue to eat. The fried ground meat and nappa cabbage will likely make you crave for rice and beer, as it does for many customers.
The gyoza, which are made-to-order, are also full of flavor. You can order them to go, so why not enjoy some with a beer at home or at your hotel?
24. Find Your Favorite Ramen at Men-ya Nanabei, Heiwa
Men-ya Nanabei is a ramen restaurant located outside of Sapporo that draws many fans with its wide variety of ramen. From lighter ramen to tsukemen, there are many choices on the menu. Our writer suggests eating Nagoya Kochin Shio (780 yen with tax) in particular.
The soup uses Nagoya Kochin chicken, which is considered one of the top three local chicken breeds in Japan for its superior taste. The broth is clear, and the flavors are extremely bold and rich. It is a simple ramen that allows you to appreciate the taste of the ingredients. Since it is a type of ramen that is uncommon in Sapporo, the restaurant is constantly filled with customers.
Its location away from central Sapporo makes it a less-than-convenient to get to. However, if you want to try unique, delicious ramen, it is worth the trip if you have a rented a car.
Other Areas
25. Roasted Sapporo Ramen at Ramen Sapporo Jikidenya, Maruyama Koen
Ramen Sapporo Jikidenya is a popular ramen shop that incorporates a smoky flavor into classic Sapporo ramen. Their number one dish is the Sapporo staple, miso ramen (800 yen with tax).
The wok-fried miso and vegetables are toasted slightly, to give the miso ramen a distinct taste. Due to the smoky flavor, the miso becomes even more delicious without a bitter flavor or smell. It is less greasy than standard Sapporo miso ramen and is easy for all to enjoy.
There are two types of noodles—the original noodles using wheat from Hokkaido, and authentic yellow curly noodles typically used in Sapporo ramen. The shop recommends the house original. The ramen also comes in a half-size so it is great for a light meal or a snack after a drink.
26. Bold Fish Based-Ramen at Aradaki Tonkotsu Araton Honten, Soen/Nijuyon-Ken Station
Aradaki Tonkotsu Araton Honten serves bowls of unique ramen using fresh fish ara (*4) from the nearby Sapporo outer fish market. A dish to try at this restaurant is the Araton kaku buta noko tsukemen (1,250 yen with tax).
In addition to the ara of the fish, the soup also uses pork broth, creating a rich and impactful flavor. Diners who try this dish are divided in opinion, but the writer of this article likes it. You can order bigger noodle amount for free, which is if you have a larger appetite.
One downside of the restaurant is its poor ventilation. In the summer it becomes very stuffy. During lunchtime it is crowded with customers, so we recommend avoiding the peak lunch hours.
*4 ara: The head and remnants of fish bones with bits of the meat.
27. Healthy Herbal Ramen at Ramen-Gyoza Hanauta, Nango Nana chome
Ramen-Gyoza Hanauta is a unique Sapporo restaurant that adds Chinese medicinal herbs in the ramen. First, try the Shankara Miso, their most popular dish (750 yen with tax). You can select the heat from mid-spice to extreme-spice. The picture shows the mid-spice level.
Sapporo miso ramen is used as a base, which original spice blend is added to, giving it a slight herbal smell. However, it isn't difficult to eat and is a tasty ramen dish. Once you eat it, you will feel yourself getting warmer and even perspiring.
The picture shows a spicy-looking ramen, but it isn't overwhelmingly hot. If you are looking for spicy food, the writer suggests trying the extreme spice level. If you are not a fan of spicy food, there are non-spicy herbal ramen choices as well. The shop is also known for its gyoza.
28. Ramen Worth Traveling For at Men-ya Takahashi, Fukuzumi
Located in the southeastern Sapporo near Sapporo Dome is Men-ya Takahashi, a very popular ramen shop. Their menu features three types of tsukemen. Pictured above is the most basic tsukemen (small size for 750 yen with tax).
Niboshi dried fish broth is added to the tonkotsu soup base, creating a delicious, classic flavor. Rice is a secret ingredient, creating a soup thick enough to stick to the noodles. Despite being far away around 25 minutes from the nearest train station (Fukuzumi Station), lines form here before the restaurant opens.
The fish-based miso ramen is also a must-try. They also make limited edition ramen on an irregular basis that also attracts fans from afar.
29. One-of-a-Kind Tantan Noodles at Ramen Wabisuke, Motomachi
Ramen Wabisuke is a ramen shop in Sapporo's Higashi Ward that is highly recommended by the writer. There are seven types of ramen on the menu. The shop recommends the TanTan Men wabi style seen in the photo (850 yen with tax).
Normal tantan men (dan dan noodles) is creamy, containing sesame paste and sansho peppers, but there aren't in this bowl. This makes this an original restaurant dish. The soup contains the umami of seafood and spiciness that makes you crave more as you eat, and the homemade noodles will be devoured quickly.
Everything in the ramen is made with natural ingredients good for the body. The owner and employees are very hospitable, making this a cozy restaurant where you can relax and eat a good bowl of ramen.
30. Paitan Ramen For Everyone at Men-ya Keserasera, Yurigahara
Men-ya Keserasera is a personal favorite of the writer in the Kita Ward of Sapporo. There are several variations using the paitan chicken soup base, but the miso ramen (750 yen with tax) is recommended especially.
Unlike standard Sapporo miso ramen, the miso and paitan balance out together well, giving it a gentle flavor. It also isn't greasy, but very satisfying and delicious. For the noodles, they use classic yellow curly noodles used in Sapporo ramen, keeping it close to conventional miso ramen.
The restaurant also has a kid's ramen, making it recommendable for families who may not want to wait in the lines at popular ramen shops. There are seats where you can remove your shoes and get comfortable. Why not relax and enjoy a bowl of ramen here?
When in Sapporo, Eat Ramen!
There are countless unique ramen restaurants and shops throughout Sapporo. Use this as your guide to enjoying iconic Japanese ramen for your next visit to Sapporo!
旅と音楽とラーメンをこよなく愛するエンジニア。 中学生のときにオーストラリアでホームステイしたことをきっかけに、学生時代はバックパッカーにハマる。そんな中で改めて日本の良さを実感し、それをもっと世界中に広めたいと思ってMATCHAのライターに。 マイブームはカメラで、最近はHDRとタイムラプスに挑戦中。