
Even though spikey-haired Goku is undeniably the protagonist of classic (and soon to be new) anime Dragon Ball, we’re not sure it’s entirely accurate to call fellow Saiyajin Vegeta a “supporting character.” That’s because the widow’s peak-sporting martial artist would tell you that he’s actually the strongest fighter in the Dragon Ball universe, and his prideful insistence on doing things his way means that “supporting” others isn’t something he’s particularly amicable to doing.
Maybe that’s the reason that while Goku and the villainous Frieza are hawking cola, Vegeta is instead endorsing Cup Noodle’s new vegetable-packed variety of instant ramen, and starring in an action-packed, cabbage-crushing commercial while he’s at it.
Each planet in the Dragon Ball franchise has a naming convention for the characters hailing from that particular celestial body, and in the case of the Saiyajin, their thing is being named after food, particularly vegetables. Because it’s such a short jump from “vegetable” to “Vegeta,” Cup Noodle maker Nissin decided that Vegeta would be the perfect spokesperson for its new instant ramen with red and yellow bell peppers, onion, potato, cabbage, and bok choy all in a pot-au-feu-style broth.
Simply called Cup Noodle Vegeta (because how else could you get someone as vain as Vegeta to endorse your product without straight-up naming it after him?), Nissin boasts that it contains 120 grams (4.2 ounces) of vegetables, roughly one third of the amount Japanese dieticians recommend eating each day. However, Vegeta doesn’t have time to explain that, because giant vegetables are falling from the sky!
“Hmph! You vegetables sure are acting cocky in front of a Saiyajin!” seethes Vegeta, before launching a series of punches and kicks and challenging his inanimate adversaries with “Bring it on!”
As angry he seems about the situation, for some reason his wife and kid still decide to airlift a giant head of cabbage to the battlefield.
Apparently, Vegeta has reached his limit for tolerating these insolate foodstuffs, so it’s time to go Super Saiyajin and show them who’s boss!
The ad closes with the invitation, “Let’s become Super Yasaiyajin,” (yasai being the Japanese word for “vegetable). It’s a tempting offer for anyone who loves ramen but is looking for something just a little healthier than run-of-the-mill varieties with just noodles and broth.
▼ Although if Vegeta’s scowling visage is freaking you out, remember that you do have other options when picking a ramen dining partner.
Sources: Jin, Nissin
Top images: YouTube
Insert images: Nissin, YouTube







Vegeta to be the lead in a new Dragon Ball movie?!
Yes, please! Barbecue rib-flavor ramen coming to Cup Noodle, and out stomachs, very soon
Pitch-black instant ramen added to Cup Noodle lineup to fill dark hole in our ramen-loving hearts
Cup Noodle Pro is Nissin’s latest way to up its instant ramen game
Boston clam chowder-flavored instant ramen docks in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
How lucky are the themed retro video game lucky bags from this shop in the Tokyo boonies?
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Visiting the Kikyoya Shingen Mochi theme park takes some planning–but it’s a stop worth making!
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Bandai to release super-mega-retro-robot made up of Doraemon and friends
South Korean design company turns subway maps into beautiful artwork you can hang on your wall
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Pizza ramen Cup Noodle going on sale, could take us to comfort food heaven or hell
Why does Dragon Ball’s Goku get blond hair when he powers up? Editor reveals the secret
Green tea Cup Noodle brings matcha to the wonderful world of instant ramen
Cup Noodle instant ramen adds disturbingly named new topping: “almost squid!”
Anime fan stumbles across the recipe for Dragon Ball Z Parent and Child Rice Bowl
New Seafood Cup Noodle flavor actually includes a lot of pork content
New Dragon Ball anime series announced, turns Goku and friends into babies【Video】
Japan unknowingly wastes over four metric tons of vegetables a year in its instant noodles【Video】
Colonel Sanders Cosplays as Goku! KFC Japan to Offer Dragon Ball Z Merchandise for a Limited Time
Seapoodle Cup Noodle flavor is on the way, sounds absolutely delicious (except for the name)
Nissin’s new Bukkomi Meshi is the guilty pleasure of rice plus instant ramen broth
Cup Noodle’s Nissin releases ultra-nutritious instant ramen with “all nutrients your body needs”
We are all Son Goku in this heartwarming, nostalgic Dragon Ball Z Kakarot commercial
Giant-sized Dragon Ball sculpture created for Sapporo Snow Festival 【Photos】
Leave a Reply