Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

Japan’s historic staple got a shake-up last month with the opening of Akomeya Tokyo (2-2-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku), a “rice lifestyle design store.” While the shop sells rice (18 different types to be exact), it also houses a restaurant serving dishes using its goods (inari-zushi, ohagi and warabi-mochi) and a bar serving cocktails based on nihonshu (sake mojito, anyone?). Modern rice totes (instead of sacks) are offered, along with wooden rice chests and masu (those square cedar boxes you’ll remember from drinking sake—or maybe not). In collaboration with the opening, Finnish designer Mina Perhonen has created a rice pouch and a stylish apron. Ask about joining the regular tasting event Kiki no Kai.