Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2013

You may be forgiven for thinking this can contains some amber brew—especially after all the beer talk in this issue. But flip that tab up and all you’ll be pouring is dry white rice grains into your glass. “Rice in a can?” It was a head scratcher when it came across our desks—until further research unveiled the true purpose of this delightful little invention: it’s for emergency use only. These canned grains will last for five years on the shelf, are impermeable to bugs and mice—and they float, too. You still have to boil the rice (in a cooker or pot), but it’ll survive almost any disaster Japan can muster—and you will be able to crack open a high quality meal when the dust settles.

¥500 for a 300g can. Available at amazon.co.jp. www.ctckomekan.com