Although there seems to be a number of components to creating a traditional Japanese breakfast, try to keep it simple by incorporating one item from each of the following: rice dish, soup, protein (fish, egg, or fermented soybeans), and a side dish (pickles or another vegetable dish). Complete your meal with a cup of hot green tea.

To save time, Japanese families often have leftover steamed rice warming in a rice cooker or porridge that is cooked using the timer feature in a rice cooker. Leftover miso soup from the night before may also be reheated.

Other shortcuts include pre-made pickles (tsukemono) or preserved kelp (tsukudani), as well as individual portions of pre-packaged fermented soybeans (natto) or other rice seasonings (furikake or dried seaweed) available for sale at the grocery store.