Heated pre-packaged rice
Rice served in a bowl
Many Japanese eat rice every day because it is a staple food for Japanese. We usually eat rice which has been cooked with a rice cooker at home. However, pre-packaged rice is also widely available. It is heated in a microwave for a couple of minutes, or is boiled in hot water about 15 minutes. It is very useful for busy people and those living alone because it can be prepared more quickly and easily. There is a wide quality range and many varieties (including mixed grain rice and rice with barley) available. The price of one package, which serves one, is roughly 150 yen. The pre-packaged rice is sealed with a pressurized heat sterilized vacuum. The best-by date is around 10 months and the expiration date is 1 year or more. The rice is almost always all produced in Japan. You can take it home and eat it even after you have bought it in Japan.