#Japan #Tokyo #Calrose Rice #USA Rice #Aeon Stores

Discover the Taste of Calrose Rice in Japan!

California's prized Calrose rice is making its debut in Japan through an exciting tasting promotion organized by the USA Rice Federation's Japan office, based in Arlington, Virginia. Celebrating the launch of Aeon Co., Ltd.'s 100% Calrose rice product named "Karoyaka," free tastings will be held at around 500 Aeon stores across the nation over weekends in June and July. The initiative aims to broaden awareness and appreciation for this unique rice variety.

What is Calrose Rice?

Calrose rice is a medium-grain, japonica-type rice that features slightly longer grains compared to short-grain varieties. This original cultivar, primarily grown in California, strikes a perfect balance between Japanese short-grain rice and long-grain varieties like Thai rice, showcasing the best traits of both. With its delightful texture and a moderate stickiness, Calrose rice remains light and fluffy, making it ideal for a wide array of culinary creations.

One of the remarkable aspects of Calrose rice is its ability to maintain its texture even when paired with oils, dressings, or soups. This quality allows the rice to shine in various dishes such as salads, risottos, fried rice, and curries.

Promoting Calrose Rice in Japan

The collaborative effort with Aeon Co., Ltd. is part of an initiative to introduce more consumers to the flavors of Calrose rice and its versatility in cooking. The official Aeon website provides cooking tips for perfecting Calrose rice as well as easy-to-follow recipes for home chefs. Furthermore, links to the USA Rice Federation's website offer an extensive selection of delicious rice recipes, encouraging culinary exploration and enjoyment.

This promotion aims to create opportunities for consumers to discover the delightful world of Calrose rice and enjoy new rice-based dishes.

Tasting Event Details

• - Event Dates: Weekends in June and July 2025 (exact dates to be determined)
• - Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM or 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by store)
• - Locations: Participating Aeon stores including Aeon, Aeon Style, Daiei, and MaxValu
• - What Will Be Offered: Samples of freshly cooked Calrose rice for tasting

Introducing "Karoyaka"

The signature product being featured during the promotion is the Calrose rice named "Karoyaka."

• - Price: ¥2,680 (tax included: ¥2,894)
• - Quantity: 4 kg

This unique rice, whose name literally means "The Rose of California," captures the essence of California's rich agricultural heritage while offering a distinct taste experience for Japanese consumers. With a delightful al dente texture and light mouthfeel, Calrose rice is sure to captivate those who try it.

About USA Rice Federation

Founded in Arlington, Virginia, the USA Rice Federation is a national organization composed of four core groups representing the U.S. rice industry. As a non-profit entity operating under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USA Rice strives to promote a better understanding of U.S. rice production and fosters its marketing value without engaging in import or sales transactions.

Through this unprecedented tasting promotion, we look forward to seeing fans of rice discover the beauty of Calrose rice in the heart of Japan!