The Comfort of a Simple Meal Cooking Rice Together
Four-panel comic family
In Japan, rice is more than just food. It is part of our daily rhythm, bringing comfort and warmth to the family. Every evening, I cook rice for my mother and sister. It may seem like a small task, but this gentle routine connects us and creates a peaceful sense of togetherness.
Cooking Rice as a Gentle Routine
Cooking rice is simple. First, I wash the grains carefully, then place them in the rice cooker with water.
The Aroma of Home
As the soft steam rises, the familiar fragrance of rice fills the house, whispering, “Dinner is almost ready.” When the cooker beeps, my mother often smiles, my sister sometimes peeks into the kitchen, and even our black cat waits nearby, pretending to “help.” These little moments may sound ordinary, but they bring warmth and laughter into our home.
The Rising Price of Rice in Japan
Yet, rice in Japan has not been without challenges. Since last year, the price of rice has doubled or even tripled.
The stockpile rice we eat costs 1,980 yen for 5 kg.
The premium Koshihikari rice from Toyama Prefecture costs 4,380 yen for 5kg.
Why Rice Has Become So Expensive
The reasons are complex: unusual weather reducing harvests, rising fertilizer and fuel costs, a weaker yen, growing demand from overseas visitors, and even an increase in the use of rice for flour and processed foods.
How Families Adapt
At first, we searched for cheaper rice, comparing prices at different stores. But nowadays, supermarkets often sell older rice — harvested more than three years ago — at a more affordable price. It may not be the freshest, but for us, it is still tasty enough. After all, there is no end to luxury, and we have learned to be grateful for what we have.
More Than a Meal — A Source of Comfort
For many families in Japan, rice is more than a meal — it is comfort, connection, and care. For us too, this simple daily routine brings gentle moments of peace, laughter, and togetherness. Even when the rice is not perfect, the act of sharing it around the table fills our hearts in a way that no price can measure.