cup rice
When it comes to cuisine from the United States, there’s just nothing like jambalaya. And you definitely don’t need to be from the South to enjoy it–who could say no to a hot plate of home-cooked jambalaya? Or, if you’re in Japan, a Denny’s cooked plate of jambalaya? Not us, that’s for sure.
But what about a microwaved cardboard cup of jambalaya? Well, we might need a minute to think about that one…
Last September, we brought you news that Japanese cup noodle maker Nissin was about to launch a new product, Kare Meshi curry rice in a cup. Hoping to do for rice what it did for noodles and ensure that a new generation of Japanese never give in to the urge to cook a real meal for themselves, the idea is that lazy diners simply add water to the pre-cooked curry and rice, heat it in the microwave and get stuck in. All the taste with minimal washing up and none of the fuss of cooking rice the regular way.
This week, in an effort to lodge Kare Meshi more firmly in the minds of consumers, the noodle king has launched a new ad for its cup rice. And it is positively insane.



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
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sizzling on a hot plate?! American sushi rolls break all the rules at this Japanese restaurant
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
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sizzling on a hot plate?! American sushi rolls break all the rules at this Japanese restaurant
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Shouting “Hakata Salt!”, the number four track in Japanese nationwide karaoke ranking
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Kiki’s Delivery Service to be adapted to live-action series by BBC, Studio Ghibli not involved
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japan’s Pikachu and Eevee Pokémon mailboxes to be removed at end of month
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?