**Osaka Landmark Kinryu Ramen’s Heartwarming Incident Goes Viral – Netizens Praise the Dragon’s Emotional Display: Truly Amazing**
The popular ramen shop “Kinryu Ramen” in Osaka, known for its striking dragon-themed sign, recently made headlines when a heartwarming incident involving the iconic dragon’s tail went viral. The three-dimensional dragon sign, which has been a fixture on the exterior wall of the shop in Dotonbori since around 1992, had its tail protruding beyond the store’s boundaries, leading to a legal dispute with neighboring property owners who demanded its removal.
After losing the legal battle, the shop took a creative approach to comply with the court order. In the early hours of the morning, with a crowd of onlookers present, a specialist was brought in to use an electric saw to cut off the dragon’s tail in a process that lasted over four hours. In a touching gesture, a “tear drop” was added beneath the dragon’s eye, creating the illusion of the dragon shedding a tear. The severed tail was painted with gold paint to match the shop’s name, “Kinryu,” and to maintain the unique style of Osaka.
Many netizens praised the shop’s ingenuity, with some commending the addition of the tear drop as a stroke of genius. One user remarked, “Isn’t this lovely? It has become so cute,” expressing admiration for the emotional display.
### The Legal Battle Over the Dragon’s Tail
The property adjacent to Kinryu Ramen is owned by a real estate brokerage firm planning to construct a new building on the site. They argued that the protruding dragon tail and eaves encroached on their land, leading to a legal dispute and ultimately a court order for the removal of the offending sign.
The shop owners, however, contended that removing the tail would harm their brand image and result in significant losses. Despite their appeals, the Osaka District Court ruled in favor of the neighboring property owners in October of last year, ordering the removal of the dragon’s tail. The shop decided not to appeal the decision after a second ruling by the Osaka High Court in May of this year upheld the initial judgment.
In a statement following the removal of the tail, the shop expressed their commitment to continue safeguarding the beloved landmark sign that has garnered the affection of customers. The severed dragon tail, measuring approximately one meter in length and 30 centimeters in width, is yet to have a definitive purpose for its future use.
### The Symbolism of the Dragon’s Tear
The addition of the tear drop beneath the dragon’s eye added a poignant touch to the shop’s iconic sign. While the removal of the tail was a necessary step to comply with the court order, the symbolic gesture of the tear drop resonated with many observers, evoking a sense of empathy and emotion.
The shop’s decision to transform the act of compliance into a moving display of emotion captured the hearts of netizens, who lauded the shop’s creativity and sensitivity in handling the situation. The dragon’s tear became a symbol of resilience and adaptability, reflecting the shop’s determination to overcome adversities while maintaining its unique identity.
### The Impact on the Community
The incident involving Kinryu Ramen’s dragon sign not only captured the attention of the online community but also sparked discussions about the importance of preserving cultural landmarks in the face of development and urban changes. The shop’s willingness to adapt and find creative solutions to challenges resonated with many, highlighting the role of businesses in maintaining the cultural fabric of their surroundings.
As the shop moves forward with its modified dragon sign, the emotional display of the tear drop serves as a reminder of the shop’s resilience and commitment to its customers. The unique blend of tradition and innovation showcased by Kinryu Ramen reflects the spirit of Osaka, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage.
In conclusion, the heartwarming incident involving Kinryu Ramen’s iconic dragon sign has not only captured the imagination of netizens but also highlighted the shop’s unwavering dedication to its heritage and community. The addition of the tear drop beneath the dragon’s eye symbolizes the shop’s resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges, earning praise from all who witnessed the emotional display. As the shop continues to serve its customers with its delicious ramen, the dragon’s tear will remain a poignant reminder of the shop’s enduring spirit in the heart of Osaka.