#Japan #Shimane #Shimane Rice #Kagura #Nita Rice

Celebrating the Harvest: New Rice from Shimane Prefecture

The essence of autumn has arrived, and with it comes the long-awaited launch of new rice varieties from Shimane Prefecture, which will be available on the official Okuizumo NAORAI website starting October 17, 2025. This year, the `Nita`, `Hida`, and `Kagura` rice varieties have been harvested, showcasing a unique blend of nature and agricultural excellence.

In August of this year, the sustainable water management and agrarian practices in the Okuizumo region were recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. This acknowledgment emphasizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature in producing high-quality rice.

2025 Rice Harvest: The Fruits of Labor

In early September, a visit to Okuizumo revealed golden rice fields swaying in the wind. Local producers remarked that while the record heat this year posed challenges, the sturdy rice plants that withstood these conditions thrived. Despite a slight decrease in overall yield due to the warmth, the farmers confidently proclaimed that the quality was exceptional—a statement that exemplifies the pride of Okuizumo's residents in living in harmony with nature.

The terraced rice paddies that earned international acclaim are a symbol of the sustainable agricultural practices thriving in this beautiful setting.

Unique Flavors: Three Distinct Rice Varieties

1. Nita Rice (にたまい) - Known as the pride of Shimane, this brand of rice is celebrated for its fluffy grains and the elegant sweetness that unfolds with each bite.
2. Hida Rice (ひだまい) - Grown in the picturesque Hida district of Yasugi city, this high-quality Koshihikari type rice benefits from the region’s clear streams and temperature variations, resulting in its transparent taste.
3. Kagura Rice (かぐらまい) - Originating from Iinan town, famous for its traditional Kagura performances, this rice is notable for its mineral-rich composition and balanced sweetness, epitomizing the essence of the land’s spiritual heritage.

Gifting Tradition: New Rice Gift Series “Kokoro ga Sane”

Making its return for the 2025 harvest year is the popular vacuum-packed gift set series