Here is a link to what it looks like- I would appreciate any suggestions. I purchased it from Goodwill and the instruction manual was only in Japanese. http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=652175

Question I received a microwave rice cooker for Christmas, but the instructions are in Japanese. I am anxious to try it, but don't know where to start. Are there any basic instructions that are applicable to all microwave rice cookers, or do I need to contact the manufacturer for their specific instrucitons? Answer Hey Suzen, It's always amazing to me how many "specialty" accessories are offered for microwave cooking. Rice couldn't be easier to make by microwave; just place 1 cup of rice (any kind except brown) with 2 cups of water and microwave on high for 8 minutes and medium (50%) for about 12 minutes and you have perfect rice everytime. Try this formula with your new rice cooker and see if it works. If the result is not up to your expectations, play around with the times until you get the result you desire. I suspect that your new cooker has a perforated insert included with a bowl and cover. The theory is that after the rice has absorbed enough water to make it tender the remaining water steams the kernals to make them less sticky. If it works, GREAT! Incidentally the best rice for microwave is the converted kind (Uncle Ben's) For more microwave recipes adn tips take a look at my website jumpstartcooking.com. Enjoy!

As long as it has a lid I'd use it just the same as you would usually cook rice - I do one cup rice to 2 cups water, good teaspoon of salt or stock powder and if I can be bothered a couple of drops of oil or butter (don't know why actually), then microwave for about 10 mins. Depends on the kind of rice and your personal preference as to whether you rinse it first or not.