Onigiri Starter Kit

Onigiri, the rice ball that has been part of Japanese food culture for more than 1,000 years, is the focus of this Kickstarter project. The Onigiri Starter Kit is built around the idea that properly cooked rice for onigiri shouldn't require a dedicated rice cooker or specialist skills, just an ordinary home microwave.

A traditional clay pot, re-engineered for the microwave

At the center of the kit is a Banko-yaki donabe (clay pot), shaped by hand at a kiln in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, that the maker says has upheld its tradition for more than 280 years. According to the campaign, the region produces over 80% of the clay pots sold in Japan. Traditional Banko-yaki pots are designed for open flame only; the maker says the clay blend and firing temperature were reworked with artisans so the pot emits far-infrared heat steadily under microwave heating. The claimed result is plump rice with distinct grains that brings out the rice's sweetness and stays soft even after cooling, which the maker positions as ideal for onigiri.

The process, as described, takes about a minute of hands-on work: add rice and water, close the lid and place the pot in the microwave. The maker says the rice is ready in 7 minutes, and that hinoki (Japanese cypress) material inside the pot absorbs excess moisture for a cleaner mouthfeel than plastic containers. The pot has a 3-cup capacity, which the campaign says yields enough rice for 10 to 12 onigiri, or two to three each for a family of four. Because each pot is hand-formed, glaze flow, clay texture and color vary from piece to piece, and the maker describes it as a tool that can last for decades and be passed down.

What's in the kit

• Banko-yaki clay pot (3-cup capacity)
• Hinoki onigiri mold
• Rice paddle (shamoji)
• Wooden stand
• Recipe book supervised by a nutritionist

The hinoki mold is said to resist sticking and shape rice neatly without much pressure, keeping hands mostly clean. Fillings such as tuna mayo, teriyaki chicken, Spam and avocado go inside before pressing, and the maker says the mold is simple enough for children to use. The campaign also emphasizes easy cleanup, with the pot's material shedding residue readily and the accessories washable as a whole, and notes there are no subscription or hidden ongoing costs.