Komeoki (placing rice in the steamer)

Komeoki refers to the step in preparing steamed rice in which soaked polished rice is placed into the koshiki (steaming vessel). In this process, the polished rice is first soaked in water to absorb the appropriate amount of moisture, then transferred to the koshiki in preparation for steaming. Through komeoki, the rice is steamed evenly by the steam, forming steamed rice that is soft on the outside and firm on the inside. This is a very important step in making high-quality sake.