Cool Kitchen Equipment from Japan

Whenever you scroll through your social media feed, have you ever come across videos or advertisements of interesting or unique-looking kitchen appliances? If not, then welcome! You can buy all of these products in places such as Kappabashi, a street known for selling kitchen supplies, or head over to your local stores such as Don Quijote, Nitori, Bic Camera, or Muji in Japan. Alternatively, you can shop online at Monotaro, Amazon, or Rakuten, as everything in this list will be sold there! We’ll be exploring different kinds of cool kitchen equipment from Japan that you can order online or pick up in person yourself!

Daily equipment in a Japanese kitchen

Rice Cooker

First up, we have the Japanese rice cooker! This kitchen appliance can be found in nearly every single Japanese household, given that a majority of their diet is rice. Standard rice cookers are perfect for cooking rice and keeping it warm. For those looking for additional features like making stewed dishes, cakes, or even mochi, there are numerous high-end options to choose from! A famous and well-known brand is Zojirushi, with prices that can range from ¥10,000 to a whopping ¥60,000! You can purchase a rice cooker on Amazon, or if you prefer buying one in Japan, visit your local Don Quijote, Bic Camera, or Nitori store for a great selection!

Portable Gas Burner

Next, we have the portable gas burner. Unlike other countries, these are also pretty common in typical Japanese households. They are frequently used for dishes such as sukiyaki, nabe, and other simmered and grilled foods, which require the food to be kept on an open flame. The heat on these burners can be adjusted just like a normal stove and operate using butane gas cylinders. A typical burner averages around ¥4,000 but can range from ¥2,000 to ¥7,000. Once again, you can find these at local stores like Don Quijote or Bic Camera, and for an even wider selection, check out Amazon or Rakuten!

Fish Grill

Japan is one of the top 5 countries in fish consumption! As it is an important part of Japanese cuisine and culture, a fish grill is essential in many Japanese households. Therefore, many homes in Japan have a built-in pull-out fish grill that is located right underneath their kitchen stove. However, as this stove model may not be available in other countries, there is an alternative – an electric fish grill that is independent of the stove! Prices for the standard version range from ¥6,000 to ¥10,000. For a simpler version with just the grill net and lid, they can cost around ¥2,000. To use this, simply place it over an open flame or induction cooktop! Like the other appliances, these can be found at your local Don Quijote or Bic Camera store, and for a broader selection, check Amazon!

Ceramic Grater

This small but very useful appliance is very important in Japanese cuisine and is found in most, if not all, Japanese households! It allows you to effortlessly grate foods like wasabi, ginger, or daikon without injuring your fingers. The center of this plate is used for grating, and the surrounding ring collects the juice, which you can use in your cooking! This can be bought online at Monotaro, Amazon, or Daiso!

Fun Stuff/Possible Souvenirs?!

Now let’s explore some fun items that you can even bring back home as souvenirs! Some of these products are easy to find around Japan, but some specific stores to keep in mind are the Japanese dollar stores like Daiso!

Chopstick Holder

When eating at a Japanese restaurant, have you seen the small item that your chopsticks are resting on top of? These are chopstick holders, and they prevent your chopsticks from touching the table directly! There are various types, from the materials, designs, and patterns! Some are even designed in a way that could make the perfect souvenir, such as Japanese food or flowers! You can find these at Daiso, and if you prefer shopping online, they are available on Rakuten, Amazon, or even this chopstick holder specialty store!

Microwave Pasta Maker

This might not sound very exciting (or insulting to our fellow Italian friends), but quite a few Japanese households have one of these. This appliance allows you to cook your pasta in the microwave. All you have to do is add in your pasta and water, throw it in the microwave for about 10 minutes, and you’ll have perfectly cooked al dente pasta! It’s perfect for busy days or when you’re too lazy to cook a full meal. This costs about ¥300 at Daiso or about ¥700 at Bic Camera!

Thanko Rice Cooker Lunchbox

This may seem just like your typical lunch box that you can get anywhere, but it’s actually a portable rice cooker! Simply add rice and water, switch it on, and in about 15 minutes, you have freshly cooked rice! It can also be used to heat other side dishes as well, which makes it even more convenient! You can buy one here from the official online store or on Amazon!

Donabe Earthenware Pot

Another commonly used kitchen appliance, the donabe earthenware pot, is popular among travelers. Donabe are traditional Japanese pots that are used for cooking over an open flame and are made out of clay. They are typically heavy, have pretty designs, are durable, and are versatile in cooking various cuisines, not just Japanese dishes! Due to these factors, they do tend to be on the pricier side, ranging from about ¥6,000 to ¥12,000. Head over to Kappabbashi to see the variety available, or check out the online stores!

In conclusion, Japanese kitchen gadgets can be practical and culturally significant. Whether it’s an innovative appliance like the Thanko Rice Cooker Lunchbox or the traditional donabe, these items not only help with cooking but can also make memorable souvenirs. Make sure you check out the stores mentioned and get your own!

Featured Photo Credit: mapo_japan

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