Bought this as a gift for my mom. Unfortunately it's a bit small for her liking (she's fussy). However, the seller was very courteous and pleasant to work with.

This machine makes excellent mochi. It is easy to use and clean and is well made and study. I used it the first time on New Years Day and it made the best mochi I have ever tasted. I have always bought frozen at Mitsuwa. However, lately, they have not been carrying it. So, I decided to buy this machine and make it myself. One of my best purchases and well worth the cost. It's really important to be sure your mochi rice is properly soaked before putting it in the machine. The machine is automatic, but you can manually operate it as well. I highly recommend this product.

The power is 100 v not 120 v . You need the step down transformer, especially since it is a motor and heat element with lots of draw.
That being said there are no instructions in English. Looking face on the panel is 4 buttons . Upper right is power on/off Center big button ( no idea yet , but I suspect it is auto for cook than beat) Left upper small button is steam rice than beep stop. Left lower button is manual stir beat for about 10 minutes. Soaking rice overnight or at least 30 min. Overnight is best. The little white ring that fits under the bottom of the beater covers the holes . I did not use it with the metal paddle, looks like it's for the large plastic white option (probably for cakes). Pyrex one cup measurement in picture is what I used. Sweet rice short grain all the way to top . Swipe the measure cup and rinse the rice a couple times leave an inch of water above to soak. I used the same full to top cup of water in the reservoir. To take out the paddles lift straight up . That plastic lid has two little channels for the tabs ( flimsiest) . Will try the center button and update . It's very very hot and keeps heat. Take it out with gloves . Earlier means less clean up. Silicon non stick is your friend. They mention potato starch I used corn starch. It's real smooth stretchy Mochi. Love it.

Was disappointed about manual - there's not english manual. Not matter what or where it comes from, it should always includes an english manual because not everyone speaks or read other languages.
Overall, I am please, but couldn't figure out which button is which. I just keep pushing all the button until finally it took me a while to get it to work. It would be nice if they just add an english manual with the order.

I got this yesterday and already made ..ricecake..mochi 2 times.
Easy to operate even with no English instruction.
It makes up to 5 cups of sweet rice. Soak the rice for 8 hours and drain. Fill the water in the steamer. Place the impeller inside the pot. I used the small metal one. Put the rice inside the pot and twist and lock it. Put the lid on and lock. Push the left top button. It takes about 15 mins to steam and it will make a beep sound. Then push the left bottom button to pound the rice. After about 5 mins..check for the desired consistency. You can push the top right button to stop the operation any time. Hope this helps someone. My instruction will make the basic mochi. I gave 4 stars for no English instruction.