The first five tools to buy
- Frying pan: a central cooking tool for searing, stir-frying and boiling.
- Kitchen knife: start with one santoku, a general-purpose Japanese knife for meat, fish and vegetables.
- Chopping board: choose a size that fits your kitchen work surface.
- Kitchen scissors: cut meat or spring onions without getting out a chopping board, reducing the washing-up.
- Heat-resistant food containers: for prepared meals, frozen rice and reheating in the microwave.
Add small utensils such as cooking chopsticks, a turner and a ladle, and you can prepare a range of basic meals.
1. Frying pan: removable handles can save storage space
Size and hob compatibility matter when choosing a frying pan. See A 20 cm or 26 cm frying pan for one person? for size advice and Choosing a frying pan when you are unsure about your hob (Japanese) for checking induction or gas compatibility.
In a kitchen with little storage, a range with removable handles lets you stack pans and saucepans together.
PRODUCT PR
IH対応・ルージュ・6点セット
L38391
T-fal Ingenio Neo IH Rouge Unlimited 6-piece set · L38391
T-fal / L38391
A cookware range with a removable handle, allowing the frying pans and saucepan to stack in a small kitchen. This six-piece set includes 22 cm and 26 cm frying pans, an 18 cm saucepan, an 18 cm glass lid, an 18 cm storage lid and one handle.
Before choosing
The photos show the L38391 six-piece set. Distinguish it from gas-only versions and sets with a different piece count. Check the instructions for compatible hobs and correct use of the handle and lids.
2–3. Knife and chopping board: avoid buying too large
A santoku with a blade around 16–18 cm long is a common choice for a first knife. One-room apartments often have limited kitchen work space, so choose a chopping board that fits beside the sink.
Chopping boards come in many forms, including dishwasher-safe, antibacterial, thin and lightweight options. Choose with storage space and ease of washing in mind.
PRODUCT PR
わかたけ・三徳包丁／刃渡り165mm
AB5420
KAI Seki Magoroku Wakatake santoku, 165 mm · AB5420
KAI / AB5420
A general-purpose santoku for meat, fish and vegetables. The KAI official shop lists a 165 mm blade, a common size for a first kitchen knife.
Before choosing
The knife will need sharpening when its edge becomes dull. Consider a suitable sharpener as part of its ongoing care.
4. Kitchen scissors: less washing-up
Kitchen scissors can cut meat into bite-sized pieces, snip spring onions and open packets. Cooking can feel easier on days when you do not need to get out a knife and chopping board. Scissors that come apart are easier to clean thoroughly.
PRODUCT PR
キッチンばさみ本体
DH3005
KAI SELECT100 kitchen scissors · DH3005
KAI / DH3005
Kitchen scissors for tasks such as cutting meat and vegetables when you want to avoid getting out a knife and chopping board. The blades come apart for cleaning, and the manufacturer lists them as dishwasher-safe.
Before choosing
This is the SELECT100 DH3005. Follow the instructions when separating the blades, and check that the scissors suit your dominant hand and grip.
5. Heat-resistant food containers: for meal prep and freezing
When cooking for one, it is easy to make more than you need or have ingredients left over. Heat-resistant food containers let you store leftover dishes or batch-cooked rice and reheat them in the microwave. A set of different sizes gives you options for different uses.
PRODUCT PR
グリーン・7点セット
PS-PRN-G7
iwaki Pack & Range 7-piece set, green · PS-PRN-G7
iwaki / PS-PRN-G7
Heat-resistant glass food containers for meal prep and storing cooked rice in the freezer. The set includes different sizes, the contents are visible through the glass, and the manufacturer permits microwave reheating with the lids on.
Before choosing
The photos show the green PS-PRN-G7 seven-piece set. Distinguish it from other colours and piece counts, and follow the handling instructions, including how to fill the containers for freezing.
Tools you can add later
- Saucepan: a deep frying pan can also handle some boiling and simmering.
- Peeler, measuring jug and measuring spoons: add these when you want to follow recipes more closely.
- Mixing bowl and colander: useful as you do more food preparation.
For cooking rice, see Is a three-go rice cooker enough for one person? (Japanese). For choosing a refrigerator to match how much food you store, see Choosing a fridge size for one person (Japanese). Check prices and availability on the linked shop pages.
Sources and product checks
Product specifications in the original Japanese guide were checked against manufacturer official shops or shop listings on 27 September 2026. Linked source pages may be in Japanese. Individual shop links appear with the products.