The most basic Japanese diet is based on cooked rice and miso soup, with 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(1868-1912), wooden rice bowls were the major choice for folks, but after the industrial revolution, ceramic rice bowls became more common. The word “Chawan" originally meant tea bowl, also ceramic bowls were originally tools used for tea ceremony and people used them to drink tea, but with the spread of ceramic tea bowls and changes in food culture, the word changed.

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, the basic rule is to hold up the rice bowl with your left hand. For this reason, the standard size of a Japanese rice bowl is about the size of a single hand (4.3~4.7 inches in diameter/ 11~12cm in diameter). Since the amount of food and the size of hands vary from each person individually, it is best to find the perfect size Rice Bowl for you.

Japanese rice bowls come in a variety of designs, 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 taste. The beautifully painted pieces are also a must-see.

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)

Various sizes of bowls exist due to Japan's unique food culture. We classify them into five categories as follows:
Kobachi Bowl, where you can enjoy appetizers and a variety of dishes in small portions; Serving Bowl, for serving your favorite dishes from a platter; Rice Bowl and Soup Bowl, which are the basics of Japanese cuisine; and  Donburi & Ramen Bowl, the largest bowl, which is perfect for Don dishes such as Poke, as well as soups and noodles. Please check the detailed explanation of each.

Small Kobachi & Appetizer Bowl

Small Kobachi Appetizer Bowl is a bowl with a diameter of under 5 inches(12cm). They are perfect size for serving side dishes such as sunomono or potato salad for one person. Since it is deeper than a small plate, it is suitable for serving soupy side dishes such as stewed dishes. Incorporating Kobachi into a table setting and arranging dishes of different sizes creates a dynamic and gorgeous atmosphere.

Serving Bowl

Serving bowls is a bowl with a diameter of over 5 inches (12cm). They are very versatile tableware which have variety of shapes and patterns. It can be used not only for salads, side dishes and desserts, but also for soupy dishes such as stewed dishes"Nimono" because of their depth. Sometimes it can also be used for Donburi rice and noodles.

Soup Bowl

When you eat Japanese cuisine, it often comes with soup, such as Miso soup or Osuimono. Soups make you feel warm and relaxed and are full of nutrition. Whether you choose soup bowls made of wood, lacquered wood, or ceramic, the atmosphere of your dining table will change dramatically. Find your favorite among our collection of soup bowls from all over Japan that make your soup even more delicious.

Rice Bowl

Rice Bowls are indispensable tableware for the Japanese dining table. One of the bowl types that craftsmen elaborate on to make it light and comfortable to use, as it is lifted with the left hand. Since they are used so often, many people are particular about them. Because they are used daily, your favorite rice bowls will make an ordinary dining experience more enjoyable.

Donburi & Ramen Bowl

Ramen, udon, soba, katsudon, oyakodon, and other Japanese dishes served in Donburi bowls are all very attractive. You can substitute other dishes, such as medium bowls, but when you're eating something with soup, a deep and large Donburi bowl is more durable, less likely to get cold, and tastes better!