Hello again!

This is HotRamen2Go009's prize for winning the Turning Japanese (I Really Think So) challenge. HotRamen2Go009, I apologize for not completely going with the blue/orange color scheme, but as it was, the seafood flavor instant cup ramen was actually blue and yellow... not orange... but I hope the colors are contrasting enough to your liking :)

As for the overall design, I did continue with the instant noodles theme (seafood flavor), but I also tried to include elements--that is, ingredients--that would be found in traditional ramen as well. For example, the naruto roll slices (like her hair ornament and on the kimono) as well as the hardboiled eggs (in the pattern) and green onion circles wouldn't normally be found in instant ramen (well, the last one might). Nori isn't usually found in instant ramen either, but that served as the inspiration for the dark green on the top of the kimono.

As instant ramen usually has peas or some other small veggies in it, there are peas on her hair chopsticks, as well as her earring. The yellow lines and obi colors/patterns are also reminiscent of the noodle cup design.

And then of course her hair and the kimono design both resemble noodles :3 Also, the brown cloth under the obi and her eye color symbolize the ramen broth (had to stick the color somewhere).

Her name, Maru-chan, comes from an instant ramen brand, Maruchan :3 I know, I'm just trying to be clever. Don't know if it's working.

This image was originally drawn in pencil and outlined in pen (with the exception of the main part of the parasol). It was then cleaned up and colored in Manga Studio Debut 3.0, and then copied and pasted into MS Paint 2007, where it was signed.

So, with all that said, I hope you like it ^_^ Enjoy!