This is an exquisite rice stocker and dispenser made of American Paulownia wood that has been sun-dried at the Japanese manufacturer's premises for a year. The Paulownia wood is also fire resistant.
To dispense one cup of rice, simply pull out and then push back the lever (the upper handle you see in the picture). The rice will neatly fall onto the lower tray, which can then be removed and emptied into your rice cooker.