Use short or medium-grain rice.

Rinse the rice until the water runs clear (5-6 times).

Use a rice cooker/steamer.

Add rinsed rice to the rice cooker with equal parts water, and follow directions.

Transfer the cooked rice to a large mixing bowl.

Heat vinegar, sugar, and sake (or mirin) in a saucepan just to dissolve and combine.

Allow the vinegar mixture to cool to room temperature.

Cook rice according to rice cooker directions.

Transfer cooked rice to a large mixing bowl.

Pour the vinegar mixture over the rice, gently folding to incorporate.

Let rice stand for 10 minutes, then fold again.

The rice should be shiny, not mushy and have a slightly tart/sweet taste.

Cover with a warm, wet towel and keep warm.