A family in Mizuki Town says their rice cooker asked for a day off on Tuesday morning.

The machine did not speak loudly. It made a small beep, and the screen showed a polite request: "Rest, please."

The family was confused. The rice cooker had worked every morning for six years.

"Maybe it is tired," the mother said. "We all need a break sometimes."

The father tried to reset the machine, but it only played a soft song.

Their daughter suggested making toast instead. The rice cooker beeped happily when she said that.

A repair shop worker said the problem was unusual but not dangerous.

"If a machine asks politely, maybe we should listen," he said.

The family gave the rice cooker one day off. The next morning, it made perfect rice.

Now the family is worried that the washing machine may ask for a weekend trip.