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A New Way to Enjoy Rice: 'Okomi Note' Launch

On September 1, 2025, WAQMIEL is set to release 'Okomi Note', a journal designed for rice enthusiasts to record their personal favorites. This innovative notebook encourages users to explore various rice varieties, capturing details such as cultivar, flavor, and texture. Through this record-keeping, users can discover their unique “favorite rice.”

Concept of 'Okomi Note'

Each page of 'Okomi Note' provides ample space for tracking up to 17 different rice varieties, allowing users to jot down essential information like the origin, purchase location, cooking methods, and taste profile. The launch comes at a time when rice prices are soaring due to weather challenges affecting production, prompting consumers to reconsider their selections based on taste rather than price alone.

Guided by five-star rice meister Akizawa Marie, the notebook aims to address the increasing consumer confusion about rice choices amidst rising prices. The Japanese government has initiated measures to stabilize prices through the gradual release of government-stored rice, yet the price gap between branded and blended rice continues to expand. Many consumers find themselves questioning whether to choose based solely on cost or to seek out quality and flavor.

The Need for a New Approach

As the production area for rice has seen significant growth, the early onset of the monsoon season and the persistent heatwave have posed challenges for rice cultivation across Japan. The situation has led to concerns over the quality of this year’s harvest, raising the stakes for consumers who wish to continue enjoying quality rice in their diets.

'Okomi Note' is not just a cookbook or digital app; it is a handmade notebook designed to allow users to document their personal experiences with rice. By encouraging handwritten notes, users can incorporate stickers from rice bags, share innovative cooking tips, and include photos of their dining experiences. This tactile approach strengthens the connection users feel to their selections of rice, enhancing their ongoing journey of discovery.

Features and Specifications

Key Details:

• - Release Date: September 1, 2025
• - Pre-order Start: August 18, 2025
• - Price: 620 JPY (excluding tax)
• - Format: B6 size, 36 pages, capable of recording 17 varieties

Main Recordable Sections:

• - Purchase Information: Track where and when you purchased the rice.
• - Rice Details: Document the origin, variety, milling date, and farming methods.
• - Taste Information: Write down your impressions on size, stickiness, aroma, and sweetness.
• - Notes: Use this space for cooking methods, serving suggestions, and pairings.

Personal insights from the Creators

Takuya Nakayama, the concept planner of 'Okomi Note,' has traveled extensively to meet various rice growers across Japan. His experiences revealed that the same cultivar, such as Koshihikari, can exhibit remarkable differences in taste based on the farming practices and the environment. By creating 'Okomi Note', Nakayama hopes to offer consumers a means to appreciate these unique rice attributes.

The project also emphasizes that rice should not merely be a staple food consumed out of necessity but cherished for its variety and flavor, enhancing everyday rituals. Each grain tells a story, and documenting these tales is a journey into the heart of Japanese agricultural heritage.

With the start of a new era for rice consumption in Japan, 'Okomi Note' aims to blend traditional practices with modern enjoyment, making the exploration of rice a delightful daily experience. The journey to finding your perfect ‘favorite rice’ starts here!