Niigata Rice Day

What Is Niigata Rice Day?

October 25th is "Niigata Rice Day" in Japan. It was established by JA Zen-Noh Niigata and is certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. The aim is to encourage more people to enjoy rice from Niigata, one of Japan's most famous rice-growing regions.

A Wordplay Wish for "Good Rice"

The date comes from a rather long piece of Japanese number wordplay, based on the idea that Niigata's Koshihikari and Koshiibuki are prime examples of "good rice."

• Wordplay: the digits 1, 0, 2, 5 are read as sounds in the phrase "ii okome, Niigata Koshihikari, Koshiibuki" (good rice, Niigata Koshihikari and Koshiibuki)
• Established by: JA Zen-Noh Niigata
• Koshihikari regions: Niigata-grown Koshihikari comes from four areas -- Niigata, Iwafune, Uonuma, and Sado
• The name Koshiibuki: means "a new breath of Echigo (Koshi)"; the variety is a grandchild of Koshihikari

Why Niigata Rice Tastes So Good

Niigata's paddies sit on fertile clay soil carried down by great rivers such as the Shinano and the Agano. During the ripening period after the ears emerge, the average temperature is around 24.5°C -- considered ideal -- and the difference between day and night temperatures is large, which is said to make the rice delicious. Koshiibuki was selected over eight years from as many as 800 crosses.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Compare Niigata-grown Koshihikari and Koshiibuki side by side
• Enjoy freshly cooked rice with simple side dishes
• Check the origin and variety of the rice you usually eat
• Celebrate the new-rice season with a rice-ball lunch

A Bowl from Rice Country in the New-Rice Season

Late October is when newly harvested rice hits shelves across Japan. October 25th is a day to savor rice raised by Niigata's natural environment.