Measure the desired amount of Japonica rice. As a general guideline, use a 1:1.25 to 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water. Adjust the water amount based on your preference for firmer or softer rice.

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.

In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes for white Japonica rice or 30-40 minutes for brown Japonica rice.

Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as it releases steam and can disrupt the cooking process.

After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking.

Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains before serving.

Measure the desired amount of Japonica rice.

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Place the rinsed rice and the appropriate amount of water (following the manufacturer's instructions for your rice cooker) into the rice cooker.

Turn on the rice cooker and let it do the rest. It will automatically switch to the "keep warm" setting when the rice is done.

After the rice cooker switches to "keep warm," let the rice sit for an additional 5-10 minutes to steam before serving.

Using the microwave is a quick way to cook smaller portions of Japonica rice.

Measure the desired amount of Japonica rice.

Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve or under cold running water until the water runs clear.

Place the rinsed rice and the appropriate amount of water (use a microwave-safe container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap) in a microwave-safe container.

Cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap, leaving a small gap or vent to allow steam to escape.

Microwave the rice on medium power (50-70%) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork and serving.

These methods should help you cook Japonica rice to your desired texture and consistency. Adjust the water-to-rice ratio and cooking time based on your preferences and the specific variety of Japonica rice you are using.