Japanese electric appliances are known worldwide for their high quality, durability, and ease of use. Many of these products are loved not only by people in Japan but also by international consumers and tourists.
One unique feature of Japanese appliances is that they often have multiple functions in a single unit. However, some people might feel that the controls are a bit complicated or hard to understand. This article explains the features and usage of essential appliances in daily life, so be sure to check the related article links in each section.
LED Lights
Japanese LED lights are known for being energy-efficient and long-lasting. Many models come with dimming and color adjustment features, allowing you to change the lighting from cool white to warm tones depending on the atmosphere you want to create.
Recently, more and more LED lights can be linked with smart home systems, allowing voice control or remote operation via apps. You can also set timers to have the light turn on automatically when you wake up or gradually dim at bedtime, helping to create a more comfortable living environment.
👉Click here for more information on the function of LED lights and how to use the remote control.
Washing Machines and Dryers
In Japan, coin laundries can be found in many places, especially in urban areas, near residential neighborhoods, and close to train stations. In addition to standard washing machines and dryers, some locations even offer machines for washing futons or sneakers. Many machines automatically add detergent and fabric softener, so you don’t need to bring your own—super convenient.
For home use, Japanese washing machines have a wide variety of functions. The most commonly used setting is the "Standard Course," but you can also choose other options like "My Style," which lets you customize wash time, rinse count, and spin time to your preferences. Pick the course that best fits your needs.
👉 Click here more information about washing machine and dryer functions and how to operate them.
Warm Water Bidet Toilets (Washlets)
Japanese warm water bidet toilets, also known as "Washlets," are packed with features focused on comfort and cleanliness. They’re so popular that many visitors to Japan consider them a top souvenir to bring home. These toilets allow you to adjust the position and pressure of the water spray to your liking, and many models include features like automatic lid opening and closing, self-cleaning nozzles, and instant water heating for better energy efficiency.
They also often come with extras like deodorizing functions and "Otohime," a sound feature that plays running water to maintain privacy. Altogether, they create a clean and comfortable toilet experience.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use a warm water bidet toilet.
Rice Cookers
Japanese rice cookers do more than just cook rice—they’re designed to bring out the best flavor and texture of each grain. Most modern models use IH (induction heating) or pressure IH, and come with specific modes for different types of rice, such as polished white rice, rinseless rice, brown rice, multigrain rice, sticky rice, and mixed rice dishes. These functions help bring out the rice's natural sweetness and chewy texture.
Many rice cookers also offer extra functions like "low-temperature cooking," "bread baking," "cake making," and even "soup and stew" modes. This versatility makes them a great tool for expanding your cooking repertoire.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use a rice cooker.
Microwave Ovens
Japanese microwave ovens are known for being multi-functional and user-friendly. Many models have dedicated modes that heat specific foods in the best way possible. Built-in sensors detect food temperature and steam, automatically adjusting the time and temperature to avoid common problems like food being hot on the outside but frozen inside. This makes defrosting meat or fish a lot easier and tastier.
The button layout is also designed for intuitive use. With built-in oven and grill functions, you can quickly cook full meals without needing multiple appliances, making them especially handy for people living alone.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use a microwave oven.
Built-in Gas Stoves
Japanese built-in gas stoves are known for their excellent safety features and ease of use, with plenty of thoughtful touches that make cooking more enjoyable.
They come equipped with timers that automatically turn off the flame after a set period, precise temperature controls to suit different types of cooking, and one-touch automatic cooking functions that adjust the heat for you. Another great feature is that you can use the gas burners and the grill below at the same time.
While the grill is often associated with cooking fish, it's also perfect for making toast, oil-free cooking, pizza, and reheating fried foods. It really helps broaden your cooking possibilities.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use a built-in gas stove.
Air Conditioners and TVs
Japanese air conditioners are designed to handle the hot and humid summers and chilly winters, offering powerful dehumidifying and heating functions. Remotes come in two types—with or without a flap cover—but both allow you to easily adjust the fan strength and direction, switch operation modes, and set timers.
TV remotes, like air conditioner remotes, often have a lot of buttons. In addition to the basics like changing channels, adjusting volume, and switching input sources, many remotes also let you browse upcoming program listings or even participate in quizzes and surveys during broadcasts.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use air conditioners and TVs.
Air Purifiers
To keep indoor air clean and comfortable, Japanese air purifiers are packed with features. In urban areas especially, the air often contains harmful particles like PM2.5, pollen, dust mites, and yellow sand, making air purifiers a popular choice.
Many models also include humidifying functions, which help combat dry air. The latest models even come with AI that can detect air quality and automatically switch to the optimal mode, ensuring clean air reaches every corner of your room at all times.
👉 Click here for more information about the functions and how to use an air purifier.
Bath Reheating Function (Oidaki)
After a long day of travel, there's nothing better than soaking in a hot bath to relax and unwind.
In Japan, many people value soaking in a tub more than just taking a shower. As a result, many bathtubs come with useful features like a reheating system to keep the water warm during a long soak, and even TVs you can watch while you bathe!
One common issue when trying to enjoy a relaxing bath is that the water gets cold over time. In Japan, people use the "Oidaki" function to reheat the bathwater when it cools down. Once you know how to use this feature, you'll be able to enjoy Japanese-style baths even more comfortably.
👉 Click here for more information about the bath reheating function and how to use it.
Bathroom Dryer
There’s another important feature often found in Japanese bathrooms—the “Bathroom Dryer” (浴室乾燥機). It’s a revolutionary system that lets you dry clothes right in the bathroom. However, since most of the controls are labeled only in Japanese, you might find yourself unsure of how to use it. With just one function—drying—you might wonder why there are so many buttons.
But bathroom dryers usually include multiple modes such as standard drying, ventilation, heating, and cooling. For most Japanese people, bathing is a daily ritual. That means soaking in a tub isn’t limited to cold winters—it’s common even in the heat of summer. If you feel the bathroom is too hot or too cold while you’re bathing, you can turn on the heater or cooler function to set the temperature just right for a relaxing soak.
👉 Click here for more information about how to use a bathroom dryer.
Comments