This is an exquisite rice stocker and dispenser made of American Paulownia wood that has been sun-dried at the Japanese manufacturer's premises for a year. The Paulownia wood is also fire resistant.
To dispense one cup of rice, simply pull out and then push back the lever (the upper handle you see in the picture). The rice will neatly fall onto the lower tray, which can then be removed and emptied into your rice cooker.
What steps need to if occur insects in the storage :
What you experienced is actually a known trait of paulownia (kiri) wood — the wood itself naturally repels insects thanks to compounds like tannin and sesamin. However, it's not 100% insect-proof, and insects can sometimes come from eggs that were already in the rice itself before storing, rather than from the box.
If this happens again, here's what we'd suggest:
- Discard the insects
- Wipe the box clean with a dry cloth (avoid water/detergent as it can affect the wood)
- Refill with fresh rice
Paulownia Rice Box Care Tips
- Wipe, don't wash – Clean with a dry or lightly damp cloth only. Avoid soaking, running water, or synthetic detergents — they strip the wood's natural properties and can cause warping.
- Air dry in the shade – If it does get damp, let it dry naturally away from direct sunlight. Direct sun can cause the wood to warp or discolor unevenly.
- Empty and clean between refills – Before adding new rice, remove any leftover old rice, wipe the box out, and let it air dry fully. This prevents insects or mold from carrying over into the fresh batch.
- Store rice that's already clean – Since insects usually come from eggs already in the rice (not the box itself), buying rice from a reliable source reduces the chance of this happening again.
- Keep it dry-handled – Use dry hands or utensils when scooping rice; introducing moisture invites mold.
- No hard impacts – Paulownia is soft and lightweight, so avoid placing heavy or sharp objects on it, and don't sit or stand on the box.
- A little discoloration is normal – Over time the wood may develop a natural patina; this is part of its character, not a defect.