Crossword Genius

Is this Oriental? Yes - something akin to a wok! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

japan

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'is this oriental? yes something akin' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'to a wok' is the wordplay.
'to a' becomes 'ja' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'wok' becomes 'pan' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ja'+'pan'='JAPAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for japan that I've seen before include "Far Eastern island country" , "Nippon" , "black gloss" , "Land of the Rising Sun" , "Country and decorated black lacquerware" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.