Rice cookers are popular souvenirs from Japan, but most of manufactures sell overseas models made to meet the requirements of each country. What is the difference? The Japanese market is quality-first. On top of this, the climate and temperature is subject to change in Japan, so well-engineered heating adjustment is essential. As the result, they use quality materials and try to develop better technologies. In other countries, the top priority is cost-performance. This means that products need to be made at lower costs with less functions, even if they are produced by the same company. It’s reasonable to understand that people who want better quality products look for the "Made in Japan" mark.

When you purchase appliances, it’s better to check warranty and after-sales service, though. 

1. TIGER 220V IH Rice Cooker with Clay Ceramic Inner Pan [JKL-T10W/ JKL-T15W]

This rice cooker features a coating structure that has a similar far infrared effect to real clay. The inner pot is made of clay with a 5-layer coating, and the inner lid has a clay coating. This rice cooker makes the rice taste very similar to what you used to cook in the clay ceramic pot with real fire. 21 computerized cooking menu settings are available.

TIGER　JKL-T10W (5.5cups)

• JPY97,000~ (JKL-T15W (8Cups) JPY100,000～)
• Induction heating rice cooker with clay ceramic inner pan
• AC: 220V
• LCD display: English
• Manual language: Japanese/ Chinese/ English
• Made in Japan

HP: www.yodobashi.com(Japanese Only)

2. TIGER IH Micom controlled Rice Cooker/ Warmer [JKW-A10W/JKW-A18]

3-layers of coating, including a copper layer, allows to cook the rice uniformly. As well as various basic settings, such as steamed rice, porridge, and stew, this rice cooker also has a unique "long grain rice" course. Long grain rice is common in southern China and Southeast Asia, but needs to be cooked differently from short grain rice, which is the staple in Japan.

TIGER JKW-A10W (5.5cups)

• JPY 31,000~ (JKW-A18 (8cups) JPY 34,000~)
• Induction heating rice cooker with 3-layer far infrared ray coated inner pot
• AC: 220V
• LCD display: English
• Manual language: Japanese/ Chinese/ English
• Made in Japan

HP: www.biccamera.com/bc/disp/CSfGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1985304 (Japanese Only)

3. ZOJIRUSHI IH Pressure Rice Cooker & Warmer [NP-HIH10/ NP-HIH18]

The features of this rice cooker are the unique settings specially designed for overseas use: long grain rice/brown rice and two types of porridge (dark-thin) that suite the preferences of Chinese people.

Zojirushi NP-HIH10 (5.5cups)

• JPY 59,000~ (NP-HIH18 (10cups) JPY 68,000~)
• Induction heating pressure rice cooker with platinum coated inner pan
• AC: 220-230V
• LCD display: English/ Chinese
• Manual language: Japanese/ Chinese/ Korean/ English
• Made in Japan

NOTE: However "ZOJIRUSHI Rice cooker Nambu ironware HAGAMA" seems to be attracting public attention, the model currently doesn’t have overseas edition.

HP: www.amazon.co.jp(Japanese Only)

4. ZOJIRUSHI IH Rice Cooker & Warmer [NP-HLH10XA/ NP-HLH18XA]

With a large steam vent, this rice cooker enables continuous high power cooking. Various types of rice can be cooked with this device, including white rice, brown rice, and mixed rice.

ZOJIRUSHI NP-HLH10XA (5.5cups)

• JPY 37,000~ (NP-HLH18XA (10cups) JPY 41,000~)
• Induction heating rice cooker
• AC: 220-230V
• LCD display: English
• Manual language: Japanese/English/Chinese/Korean
• Made in Japan

HP: www.amazon.co.jp(Japanese Only)

5. TOSHIBA Vacuum Pressure IH Rice Cooker [RCDU10W/RCDU18W-R]

Comparing to other products, TOSHIBA’s round inner pot stands out with its 5 mm thick forged iron. This pot is developed to recreate the effective thermal convection of a traditional furnace. The vacuum technology is used for quick cooking and allows a long heating up time of up to 40 hours without damaging the taste. The heating system has variable pressure which can be adjusted to suit your preference.

TOSHIBA RCDU10W (5.5cups)

• JPY 58,000~ (RCDU18W-R (10cups) JPY 63,000~)
• Induction heating rice cooker with vacuum and pressure technology
• AC: 220V
• Manual language: Japanese/Chinese/Korean/English
• Made in Japan

HP: www.yodobashi.com (Japanese Only)

6. HITACHI Overseas Cooker Pressure & Steam IH 1.0 L 5.5 cup [RZ-W2000Y-W]

This cooker features Hitachi’s technology ‘pressure & steam’, cast iron inner pan, and thermos bottle technology. Though it features steam, you don’t have to add extra water nor worry about the steam damaging the surrounding walls. The two-stage heating method allows you to cook delicious rice even in small portions.

HITACHI RZ-W2000Y-W (5.5cups)

• JPY 108,000yen~
• Induction heating rice cooker with iron cast inner pot and two-stage heating system with pressure and steam
• AC: 220-230V
• LCD display: English/ Chinese
• Manual Language: English/ Chinese/ Korean/ Japanese
• Made in Japan

HP: www.yodobashi.com (Japanese Only)

7. Panasonic Steam Induction Heating Warm Jar [SR-SSS105 / SR-SSS185]

The feature is the variable pressure and high-power simmering which heats the rice evenly. High-power simmering switches quickly to adjust internal and external convection in order to ensure the rice is not undercooked or burnt. Diamond powder coated ceramic inner pan also gives effective heat conduction. Accompanied with steaming basket.

Panasonic SR-SSS105 (5.5cups)

• JPY 151,000~ (SR-SSS185 (10cups) JPY 160,000~)
• Induction heating rice cooker with diamond coated inner pot using "double simmering" technology- a combination of high speed alternating convection and variable pressure
• AC: 220V
• LCD display
• Manual language: English/Chinese/Japanese
• Made in Japan

HP: panasonic.jp/tourist/en/suihan/