Yes. Ramen in western cities is preying on the local perception that ramen is 'trendy' and therefor worthy of being expensive. In Japan, ramen is more akin to

Yes. Ramen in western cities is preying on the local perception that ramen is 'trendy' and therefor worthy of being expensive. In Japan, ramen is more akin to burgers in America where sure you can go to a 'fancy' place and get a $15 burger, or you can go to the diner down the street and get a burger for $3. Ramen is the same, with plenty of fancy places if you want that type of meal, but the majority are small, quick, almost "fast food" type places with cheap food.