ZOJIRUSHI
Innovation in living that started with vacuum flasks. Japanese kitchen appliances made in Osaka since 1918.
ZOJIRUSHI CORPORATION was founded in Osaka in 1918 as "Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company," starting from the manufacture of glass liners for vacuum flasks. Building on vacuum insulation technology, the company expanded into electric air pots and rice cookers. In an industry where overseas production is common, ZOJIRUSHI continues to manufacture high-end rice cookers and humidifiers at domestic factories in Osaka Prefecture — protecting the quality of Made in Japan. Products that fuse an insatiable quest for "delicious rice" with Japanese craftsmanship deliver peace of mind and comfort to daily life worldwide.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
ZOJIRUSHI CORPORATION began in 1918 in Osaka as a manufacturer of glass liners for vacuum flasks. The "Zojirushi" name — meaning "elephant mark" — became a household symbol of durable, insulating quality throughout Japan and across the world.
Building on vacuum insulation technology developed through decades of flask production, the company expanded into electric air pots in the 1960s and rice cookers in the 1970s. The rice cooker line became central to ZOJIRUSHI's identity, driving continuous innovation in how Japanese households cook their daily staple.
The flagship "Enbu Cooking" (Flame Dance Cooking) technology divides IH heaters at the bottom of the rice cooker into multiple independent zones, rotating which ones fire to recreate the fluctuating, dynamic heat of a traditional kamado hearth. This drives intense convection throughout the pot, drawing out the potential of each grain of rice. This flagship model is manufactured at ZOJIRUSHI's factory in Osaka.
The steam humidifier line applies the same approach: boiling water to generate steam means no filter, no mold risk, and clean, disinfected moisture. The mochi maker — a quiet long-seller in Japan — handles steaming, pounding, and kneading in one unit. Both products reflect ZOJIRUSHI's ethos of engineering kitchen challenges out of daily life.
ZOJIRUSHI maintains domestic manufacturing for its highest-spec products despite the broader trend toward overseas production. The company sells internationally through the Zojirushi World online store, shipping rice cookers, humidifiers and kitchen appliances worldwide.
Enbu (Flame Dance) Cooking — rice cooker technology
To reproduce the fluctuating flame of a traditional hearth, ZOJIRUSHI developed "Enbu Cooking": multiple IH heaters at the bottom of the cooker are divided into independent zones and fire in rotation. The resulting intense convection draws heat to each grain of rice. This flagship model is manufactured at the Osaka factory.
Steam humidification — hygienic, filterless design
ZOJIRUSHI's steam-type humidifiers boil water and convert it to steam — the same structure as an electric pot. With no filter to clean and a wide-mouth fluorine-coated container, maintenance is simple. Boiled steam eliminates bacteria and mold risk, and room temperature is maintained rather than reduced.
Mochi Maker — traditional food, modern convenience
ZOJIRUSHI's mochi maker handles steaming, pounding and kneading in one unit, allowing freshly pounded rice cakes at home year-round. It is also used for bread dough and pizza dough — a uniquely Japanese kitchen appliance with wider applications than its name suggests.
Made in Japan — domestic manufacturing for flagship products
While overseas production increases industry-wide, ZOJIRUSHI manufactures its high-end rice cookers and humidifiers at domestic factories in Japan. Strict quality control and the accumulated expertise of Japanese engineers define the products' reliability and longevity.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
ZOJIRUSHI Pressure IH Rice Cooker (Enbu Cooking) — Made in Japan
ZOJIRUSHI's flagship rice cooker with Enbu Cooking technology. Multiple independent IH heaters rotate to create intense convection, cooking every grain to its full potential. 121 custom cooking settings. Manufactured in Osaka.
View DetailsZOJIRUSHI Steam Humidifier — Filterless, Made in Japan
A steam-type humidifier using the same boiling mechanism as an electric pot. No filter, wide-mouth container, fluorine coating. Clean, boiled steam with no mold risk. Compatible with all room types.
View DetailsZOJIRUSHI Mochi Maker — Japanese Rice Cake Machine
Steam, pound and knead in one unit. Makes fresh, soft mochi at home from soaked glutinous rice. Also usable for bread dough and pizza dough.
View DetailsZOJIRUSHI Fish Roaster — Japanese Cooking Appliance
Specialized for grilling fish: upper and lower heaters grill both sides simultaneously without turning. Catalyst filter reduces smoke and odors by 90%. Fully disassembles for washing.
View DetailsZOJIRUSHI Dish Dryer — Made in Japan
Vertical dish dryer with high-temperature air drying at 80°C. Prevents odor and provides sterilizing effect on cutting boards. Stainless steel basket disassembles for washing.
View DetailsMEDIA Media, Awards & Initiatives
- ZOJIRUSHI rice cookers are regularly reviewed as among the best available by international cooking publications. The Enbu Cooking line is the brand's current flagship, manufactured at the Osaka factory.
- The filterless steam humidifier design has attracted attention from international health and household media for its hygienic advantage over conventional filter-based units.