IN THE HOME
What Does a Typical Kitchen in Japan Look Like?
Discover the differences between Japanese and American kitchens
Most Americans don’t realize how spacious and convenient their kitchens are compared to the rest of the world. The large kitchens in America allow for spacious food preparation areas, giant appliances, ample storage, and even the entertaining of guests. A kitchen in a new $5 million or $10 million high-rise condo in Tokyo would likely disappoint a middle-class American for its lack of size and amenities (more on that later). So let’s explore some of the features of a Japanese kitchen and how they are unique.
Sink Disposal: In the U.S., we discard just about anything into the sink, flip a switch, and the under-sink disposal magically makes the waste disappear. We never have to empty the waste or even give it a second thought. Electric sink disposals are rare in Japan. Instead, a removable mesh screen catches bits of food before going down the drain, which then must be emptied into the garbage. Sounds easy enough, but most Japanese people don’t know what they’re missing because they’ve never been exposed to the benefits of an electric disposal.
Oven: Only a small percentage of Japanese kitchens have ovens. If there is one, it would be nowhere near the size of a typical American oven. The meals that the Japanese have prepared for generations don’t utilize an oven, so there is not a burning desire to have one (even if there was enough space). Small electric grills (similar to toaster ovens) are often used to grill fish, toast, vegetables, and other foods. Some microwave ovens have features that replicate a conventional oven but these are uncommon and much different than a gas or electric oven in the U.S.
Dishwasher: This is another Western convenience that is practically non-existent in Japan. Again, limited space is a factor, but the Japanese tend to believe that no technology can beat the thoroughness of hand cleaning. Also, dishwashers consume energy which is expensive in Japan. Therefore, this appliance would only exist in the home or apartment of a large and wealthy household. It is a safe bet that most Japanese do not wish they had a dishwasher (even if they had the space) since hand-washing is an accepted chore in life.
Rice Cooker: Since rice is a staple of most meals (including breakfast) you will find this important appliance in nearly every home. The automated electric rice cooker was invented in Japan and has been utilized for many decades. Modern rice cookers have become more advanced and versatile, for making soft bread, pancakes, and even full meals. Being such an essential appliance, the department stores offer dozens of different models.
Electric Kettles and Water Boilers: An electric kettle is another ubiquitous appliance that boils water faster than you’d expect, to make tea, coffee, or instant noodles. They can be found in all hotels and ryokan (traditional inns) nowadays. A water boiler, or hot pot, holds a larger quantity of water so it is common in households with several people. The insulated pot keeps the water at the temperature selected so that hot water is available at any time.
Stove: In the U.S., the standard stove is a large electric or gas appliance with four burners (and an oven underneath). This is a significant contrast to what you find in Japan. Since ovens are rare, it is common to see a stand-alone stove that rests on top of the counter. It usually has only two burners which are electric or gas-powered. Some smaller apartments have only one induction cooktop or gas burner. In modern suburban homes, the stove will be built into the countertop. It might even have four burners and a pull-out drawer for electric grilling. Luxurious!
Electric Hot Plate: Shabu shabu and nabemono are two popular dishes, especially in the winter, that are cooked and eaten at the table. So, a portable electric hot plate is used to heat a large pot of water for simmering the vegetables and meat. You might still see older versions that heat the pot with a small butane tank. Most households, except perhaps single men/women, will have an electric hot plate.
Hot Water at the Sink: A central water heater holding 40 or 50 gallons of water is also uncommon in Japan. Compact, tankless water heaters are mounted over the kitchen sink in apartments and older homes. When you hit the button for hot water, a gas burner fires up immediately and instantly heats the water. Tankless units free up more living area in the home.
Countertops: Kitchen counters are at a lower height in Japan than in the U.S., which makes sense due to the smaller stature of Japanese people. This can be a pain for taller people like myself to do the dishes or cook. That is my primary excuse to avoid washing dishes. Counter space is extremely limited, especially in apartments, but the Japanese are experts at coping in small spaces.
Microwave: Although microwaves are a common appliance these days in Japan, they are small and rest on the countertop or on top of the refrigerator. A microwave mounted into the cabinets is rare.
Refrigerator: This is another appliance that is much smaller than the behemoths that are found in the U.S. The Japanese keep fewer frozen foods, so a large frozen compartment is not necessary. They also make more frequent trips to the grocery store or local market to buy smaller quantities. A quart of milk is the largest size that you will find in Japan.
So, what about the kitchen in the $5 million or $10 million gorgeous condo in central Tokyo? I visited one several years ago and the kitchen was mediocre at best, by Western standards. One theory for sub-standard kitchens is that the condos are designed for (and marketed to) men. There is less incentive to provide a kitchen design with American-style amenities. Also, as mentioned above, there is not much of a demand by women for dishwashers, ovens, and sink disposals. Managing life in a kitchen with limited space is not viewed as a burden or inconvenience. Americans, on the other hand, would surely complain.
Final note: As much as we talk about Japan being the land of cramped spaces, it is a stereotype that doesn’t always hold true. If you get away from the dense urban environment where land is at a premium, you’ll find newer houses and kitchens that are respectable in size. Custom-built homes in suburban or rural areas have kitchens that even an American might envy, such as this example near Toyama.
