Panasonic to stop making rice cookers in Japan after six decades

The Osaka-based manufacturer will transfer production to the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou by June 2023, according to media reports. — Panasonic

Despite being the birthplace of the humble rice cooker, a decline in appetites for the grain and cost savings to be found elsewhere are prompting Panasonic Holdings Corp to end production in Japan.

Instead, the Osaka-based manufacturer will transfer production to the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou by June 2023, according to media reports.