TOKYO — The sun drying process to make somen noodles is underway in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, which is said to be the birthplace of these thin noodles. At the Tamai Seimensho noodle factory, long noodles hung to dry were blown by a cool breeze. The drying process lasts until mid-March and shipping of Miwa Somen from the factory is planned for around June.