The foundation of a traditional Japanese diet is based on cooked rice and miso soup, accompanied by side dishes such as grilled fish and vegetables. Rice bowls are called "chawan" in Japanese, and together with miso soup bowls, they are indispensable tableware for Japanese cuisine.

Before the Meiji period (1868CE-1912CE), wooden rice bowls were commonly used, but after the industrial revolution, ceramic rice bowls became more widespread. The word "chawan" originally referred to tea bowls, which were primarily used in Japanese tea ceremonies. However, as ceramic bowls became more common and food culture evolved, the meaning of "chawan" shifted.

Even today, tea bowls for the tea ceremony are called “chawan", while rice bowls are sometimes called “meshi-wan" to identify their use.

In Japanese table manners, it is customary to to hold the rice bowl with your left hand. For this reason, Japanese rice bowls are designed to fit comfortably in one's hand, with the standard size being around 11-12cm (4.3-4.7in) in diameter. Since the ideal bowl size may vary depending on individual preferences and hand size, it's important to find a rice bowl that suits you.

Japanese rice bowls come in a wide variety of designs and shapes, from the standard rounded shape to a flat shape with an open rim. Each shape has a different image for serving rice, so it is best to get one that suits your personal style.

For those mindful of their diet, calories and nutrient content are essential considerations. Below are the approximate calorie, carbohydrate, and protein values for a standard bowl of cooked white rice, based on a typical serving size of 140g (5 oz):

Calories: 250Cal. About 50 calories per 1 oz of white rice. (250 Cal. /140g rice)
Carbohydrates: 2 oz. About 0.4 oz per 1 oz of white rice. (56g carb/140g rice)
Proteins: 0.14 oz. About 0.03 oz per 1 oz of white rice. (4g proteins /140g rice)