Induction Heating (IH) Pressure Cooker
The flagship line (e.g., NP-NVC/NWC series). These use magnetic induction to turn the entire pot into a heating element and apply pressure to force moisture into the grain. Strictly manufactured in Japan.
Back to directory
Japan · EST 1918
Zojirushi Corporation
Last assessed 17 Dec 2025
Recommended
A major producer of rice cookers and vacuum insulation products, with documented examples of 15+ year service life on its "Made in Japan" units. However, buyers must navigate a tiered manufacturing system (Japan vs. Thailand/China) and accept that the non-stick inner pots are consumable items that will eventually require replacement.
Zojirushi is a Japanese manufacturer originally established in 1918 as the Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company, specializing in glass-lined vacuum bottles. Today, it is best known for applying "fuzzy logic" (advanced algorithms) to rice cookers and for producing high-retention thermal flasks. The brand utilizes a specific manufacturing hierarchy where flagship products are domestic (Japan) and mid-range/mass-market goods are produced in Thailand and China.
Brand History
History
1918
Founded in Osaka as Ichikawa Brothers Trading Company (glass vacuum liners).
1961
Rebranded as Zojirushi Corporation (The "Elephant Mark").
1983
Introduced the first Micom (Micro-computerized) rice cooker.
1986
Established Union Zojirushi Co., Ltd. in Thailand (first major overseas factory).
1995
Established Zojirushi-Simatelex joint venture in China for mass-market goods.
2018
Celebrated 100th Anniversary; stock listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange First Section.
Warranty & Returns
- Rice Cookers: 1 Year Limited (Parts & Labor).
- Water Boilers: 1 Year Limited.
- Vacuum Bottles: 5 Years Limited on heat retention (may vary by region).
Returns: US: 30 Days from delivery. Item must be new and unused. Logistics: Restocking fees are likely if a used appliance is returned for non-defective reasons. Gray market units are non-returnable.
Why They're Listed
Zojirushi is listed for the Service Life of its rice cookers and the Thermal Performance of its vacuum bottles. It is common for the "Made in Japan" rice cookers to function for 15+ years. The brand also maintains a robust spare parts availability for consumables (gaskets, inner lids, and bowls), which allows users to refresh older machines rather than discarding them.
Noteworthy Products
Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker (NS-ZCC10)
A "Made in Japan" unit with a long production history. Despite being older tech (no induction heating), it is known for its durability and "soft" white rice texture. It remains one of the few mid-range models still made in Japan.
Important Context
The "Soldered Battery" Issue: Most Zojirushi rice cookers utilize an internal lithium battery (CR2450) to power the clock and timer memory when unplugged. In many models, this battery is soldered to the circuit board. When it dies (typically after 5-7 years), the timer function fails. Replacing it requires desoldering/soldering skills or sending the unit to a service center; it is not a simple user-swappable part.
Inner Pots are Consumables: The number one failure point is the non-stick coating on the inner cooking pan. Zojirushi explicitly classifies the inner pan as a consumable part (like a car tire). Peeling or bubbling coating is not covered by warranty and is considered normal wear. Replacement pans typically cost $50–$90 USD.
Commercial "Made in Korea": While the brand is Japanese, their heavy-duty commercial rice warmers (specifically the NYC-36) are often manufactured in South Korea, not Japan. This is an authorized OEM arrangement but distinct from their domestic production.
Manufacturing Tiers: Premium IH/Pressure cookers are made in Japan (Osaka/Shiga). Micom cookers and water boilers are built in Thailand. Breadmakers and accessories are made in China. Commercial warmers are often manufactured in South Korea.
Further Information
Japan (The Flagship Hub): The company operates major factories in Osaka and Shiga Prefecture. These facilities are reserved for the highest-complexity items, specifically Induction Heating (IH) and Pressure rice cookers. If a product says "Made in Japan," it typically commands a 40-50% price premium over the Thai equivalents.
Thailand (The Export Workhorse): Union Zojirushi Co., Ltd. (Bangkok) is the brand's primary export hub. If you buy a standard "Micom" rice cooker or an electric water boiler (Air Pot) in the US or Europe, it was likely made here. Industry reviews typically rate the Thai facility's quality control as on-par with Japan for non-IH technologies.
Voltage Warnings (Gray Market): Consumers often attempt to import higher-end Zojirushi models directly from Japan (eBay/Amazon Japan) to get colors or features not sold globally. Warning: Japanese units run on 100V. Using them in the US (120V) without a step-down transformer will run the heating element 20% hotter, frequently damaging the control board or shortening the lifespan. Also, these units have zero warranty outside Japan.