You’ll never look at canned tuna the same way again.
Although the Osaka earthquake left a trail of havoc in its wake, thankfully there’s been few casualties. There’s no telling when the next natural disaster will strike, however, and having some crucial survival knowledge can sometimes spell the difference between life and death.
In light of the recent earthquake, Japanese Twitter user @Yu__to0911 brought up a useful lifehack that transforms inexpensive cans of tuna into valuable sources of light and heat.
▼ How does a can-lit dinner sound?
(Translation below)
“Many people might know of this but (cans of) tuna can be turned into lamps too.
1. Punch a hole in the center of the lid.
2. Thread some string through the hole and dip it into the oil.
3. Light the string.
Tissue works just as well as string. The tuna can be eaten after being used as a lamp, and it doesn’t hurt for people to learn about this life hack.”
It bears mentioning that the idea of fashioning a makeshift lamp out tuna cans isn’t new, but has recently resurfaced on the Japanese Internet due to the Osaka earthquake.
▼ Just make sure it’s oil-packed tuna and
not water-packed if you decide to try it.
Nevertheless, enlightened Japanese netizens appreciated the tip, while those who already knew of it were glad of the reminder:
“Thanks for this! I’ll try this out tomorrow with a few cans and some string.”
“Oh no! I ate all my canned tuna for lunch today.”
“The aroma of tuna will fill the room though. I’ve tried it before and not only was the tuna heated up, it got rid of the excess oil too.”
“I did this during the Great Hanshin earthquake. When the oil ran out, the tuna was heated up nicely and it was delicious. You can also heat up water using the fire. It might take a while for cup ramen, but it was quick when I tried it with a cup of water.”
It goes without saying that we humans are at the mercy of a capricious mother nature, but equipping ourselves with techniques like tuna can oil lamps or water bottle showerheads can help increase our odds of survival significantly.
Source: Twitter/@Yu__to0911
Featured image: Twitter/@Yu__to0911
Insert image: Photo AC


Japanese Twitter shows us how to cool a beer in 10 minutes
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Gama Land, the weird Japanese amusement park celebrating toads, is now like a ghost town
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
7-Eleven Japan debuts new black-and-white rice ball packaging…but is it because of a naphtha shortage?
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events