Understanding the Function of Traditional Japanese Rice Bins: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Understanding the Function of Traditional Japanese Rice Bins: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Reader’s Question:
I have a question about that container in the kitchen that looks like a rice bin from the Showa era. It’s next to the refrigerator in the Isono family’s kitchen. I think it holds rice, but there are numbers 1, 2, and 3 by each lever. What do those
numbers mean? Is 1 for white rice and 2 for brown rice or something like that?

Unlocking the Mystery of the Rice Bin

So, I came across this really interesting question about an old-fashioned rice bin that looks like it stepped straight out of the Showa era. You know, the kind that makes you feel nostalgic just by looking at it? It got me thinking about my own experiences in the kitchen, especially those moments spent cooking with my family. I remember walking into my parents’ kitchen in Osaka, and there it was, an old rice bin that seemed to have a personality of its own. I used to think it was just a regular container for rice, but it had these little levers with numbers on them – 1, 2, and 3. At first, I thought maybe those numbers were for different types of rice, like white or brown, but it turns out I was way off! One of the users pointed out that those numbers actually represent the amount of rice you’re scooping out. It’s measured in “go,” which is a traditional Japanese measurement for rice. So, when you pull the lever on 1, you’re getting 1 go of rice, and if you’re feeling a bit hungrier and pull the 3 lever, well, that’s 3 go! It’s such a clever design, really. I can still vividly remember the smell of freshly cooked rice wafting through the house, and my dad always making a big deal out of how perfectly he could cook it. There was this one time he accidentally used the wrong lever and ended up with enough rice to feed an army! We all had a good laugh about it, and I think we ended up having rice balls for days. This little rice bin, with its simple levers, opened up a world of culinary adventures. Every time I scoop rice for dinner, I feel a connection to my roots and those cherished moments spent with my family. It’s like a bridge to my childhood, filled with laughter and love. If you have a similar story or a quirky kitchen tool that brings back memories, I’d love to hear about it! What’s your favorite kitchen gadget, and do you have any funny cooking mishaps to share? Let’s swap stories in the comments!