The illustrations by artist Sophie Diao showcases Ando’s relentless efforts to figure out the recipe for instant noodles.
It took the life-long entrepreneur 48 years to come up with the idea that would prove to be his greatest success.
According to Google’s statement, the inspiration was spurred when Ando walked through the streets of post-World War II Japan.
People were waiting in long lines for hours, just for a comforting bowl of ramen.
Ando realised hunger was Japan’s most pressing issue, and felt a surging desire to help his countrymen and fill their aching bellies; “People can only be content when there is enough food. Peace will come to the world when all its people have enough to eat.”
“Ando’s long road to success inspired Diao to use multiple animations for the doodle, since one couldn’t possibly do Momofuku justice. She also included the shed where Ando spent countless days and nights experimenting,” read the statement.
Months of hard work paid off when Ando discovered flash-frying ramen noodles in tempura oil created tiny holes in the noodles that allowed them to cook nearly instantly once combined with hot water.
“It was a success, and customers were enthusiastic about the time they were saving. It was the first step to achieving Ando’s goal of ending world hunger,” said Google.
Ando’s efforts were no flash in the pan. He never stopped working to improve instant ramen, introducing Cup Noodles to the world in 1971.
Most would have been content, but for Ando, the sky is not the limit.
He had his heart set on inventing instant noodles that could be eaten in space.
“People have to eat no matter where they go, even outer space,” Ando once said.
He was in his 90s when he debuted “Space Ram.”
