For all the foreigners who have come to Japan, living in Japan for the first time can be exciting, but it can also be confusing. In particular, the usage of microwave ovens, which are essential to daily life, may differ depending on the country. In this article, we will introduce the unique precautions and etiquette for microwave ovens in Japan, and explain points for foreigners to use microwave ovens in Japan, including some everyday topics.
Unique precautions for Japanese microwave ovens
Japanese microwave ovens generally have an output of 500W or 600W. This can be said to be a low output compared to 1000W in the United States. For this reason, you need to be careful about the heating time when following Japanese recipes. Also, microwave ovens have multiple functions such as defrosting'' andwarming”, and it is important to use these functions properly. For example, when using the defrost function, it is necessary to change the position midway through to heat the food evenly.
Manners for foreigners to use microwave ovens in Japan
In Japan, when using a shared microwave, it is important to keep it clean. Care should be taken to wipe down the inside after use and cover to prevent food from splashing. Also, when heating foods with strong odors, it is important to be considerate of other users and keep the heating time short.
Chapter 1: Basic microwave oven operations
Japanese microwave ovens often have Japanese writing on the control panel, but the basic operation is simple. Just press the power button, set the heating time, and press the start button. However, if you need to adjust the output, you can select the number of watts with the output adjustment button. For example, if a recipe specifies 600W, a 500W microwave oven will require a longer heating time.
Chapter 2: How to warm up food in the microwave
When heating food in the microwave, the optimal heating method varies depending on the type and size of the food. For example, if you use the defrost function on frozen foods before heating them, it will be easier to heat them evenly. Also, be careful when heating liquids as they may boil and overflow. Furthermore, the choice of container is also important; metal containers and aluminum foil are prohibited.
Chapter 3: Some facts about Japanese microwave ovens
A common problem with Japanese microwave ovens is miscalculation of heating time. Especially if you have just arrived from overseas, you may end up overcooking food without realizing the difference in output. Also, the Japanese language on the control panel can be confusing. However, the basic operations are the same, so once you get used to them a little, you will be able to use them without any problems.
Chapter 4: Easy recipes using the microwave
There are also many recipes that can be easily made using a Japanese microwave oven. For example, there are many recipes that you can easily try, such as warm udon using frozen udon or egg dishes that can be easily made in the microwave. These recipes are perfect for dinner on busy days or for those who live alone.
Chapter 5: Microwave Oven Troubleshooting
When using a microwave oven, you may sometimes encounter problems. For example, the heating may not be done evenly, there may be strange noises, or the heating may not start. Many of these problems are often caused by incorrect usage or lack of maintenance. When a problem occurs, we recommend that you first check the instruction manual, and if the problem persists, consult a specialist.
FAQ: For those who don’t know about microwave ovens
Q: Do the microwaves from microwave ovens affect the human body? A: Microwaves in microwave ovens are used to heat food, but if used properly, there is no harm to the human body. Microwave oven doors are designed to block microwaves.
Q: Can I use metal containers in the microwave? A: Avoid using metal containers and aluminum foil in the microwave. This can cause sparks and is dangerous.
Q: What is the best way to defrost food in the microwave? A: You can defrost food evenly by using the defrost function and flipping or changing the position of the food midway through.
Q: Can I make popcorn in the microwave? A: Microwave popcorn is commercially available and can be easily made by heating it in a special bag.
Literature and works about microwave ovens
Literature and works related to microwave ovens teach us the convenience and precautions to be taken in daily life. For example, cookbooks often introduce recipes that use the microwave, and even beginners can easily try them out. Also, in dramas and movies, scenes using microwave ovens are depicted as part of everyday life, giving a glimpse of cultural differences and the role they play in daily life. Through these documents and works, you can learn about the diverse uses and cultural backgrounds of microwave ovens.