Since entering Japan I’ve come across the expected amount of cool gadgets – which is to say, many. But although I was prepared to enjoy robotic sushi trains and dinosaur hotel employees, I didn’t realise there were lots of everyday appliances I never knew I always wanted. In this ongoing series, I’ll explain a few of them.
Hot water dispenser
Simple enough to explain – it’s a water reservoir that sits on my counter. I keep it filled with water, and it boils the water and then keeps it at whatever temperature I set. (Usually 90°C) I press a button and hot water comes out. That’s it, that’s the whole gadget.
This has changed my life.
First, I can have tea whenever I want. That may not sound like much, but the difference between “Well, if I want tea in 20 minutes or so, I guess I should put on the kettle” and “I want tea. ::sips tea::” is HUGE.
Second, now that I can have tea whenever I want, I have been free to explore all kinds of lovely hot drinks. Japan has a lot of instant hot drinks, many of which are actually healthy, and the ones that aren’t are still delicious. I’m currently obsessed with a ginger yuzu “tea” powdered drink which is just AMAZING. And for Christmas my husband bought me Persona 5 tea – Crow flavor. (If you know, you know.)
And last, instant ramen (of which you can buy a dizzying array)? ACTUALLY INSTANT. Game changer.
