Exciting Events Unveiling at RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' Gourmet Screening Festival

RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' Gourmet Screening Festival

The much-anticipated RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' New Year Gourmet Screening Festival is set to take place at the Ikebukuro HUMAX Cinemas, hosted by HUMAX Entertainment based in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This exciting event will be held on January 17 and 18, 2026, and it promises to be a delightful experience for fans and newcomers alike, blending culinary art with entertainment.

What is RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice'?

RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' is an innovative stage adaptation stemming from the short TV anime series 'Love Rice - WE LOVE RICE-'. This unique project features personified rice characters who take center stage in a quest to revive the appeal of rice amid the growing popularity of bread and noodles. The main character, Hino Hikari, leads the group known as 'Love Rice' on a mission that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

This series introduces an array of vibrant characters, including the stage-original unit 'ST☆RICE' and the ancient rice unit 'GAZEN BOYS.' With each installment, new characters join the ranks, such as the legendary rice hero 'Rikuin Kojiro' and students from the Kansai Inaho Academy, adding depth and excitement to the narrative. The stories promise to serve up thrilling drama, as they express the theme of perseverance through the metaphor of 'polishing rice.'

Unique Features of the Event

What sets this event apart is that it embraces the theme of food in a distinct way. In collaboration with the Rice Ball Association, the festival will feature onigiri (rice ball) sales at the cinema, allowing attendees to indulge their taste buds while they enjoy the performances. Adding to the cultural richness, there will also be a ritual known as Niiname-sai, where sacred ceremonies are conducted by shrine priests, celebrating the rice harvest season.

Event Details

Dates:

- January 17 (Saturday)
- January 18 (Sunday)

Screening Schedule:
1. RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' - Endless Rice Riot
2. RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' - I'll Give You Rice
3. RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' - Rice Will Come Again
4. RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' - Rice Will Come

Plan to attend the talk shows following each screening, hosted by special guests, allowing for an enriching interaction about the performances and themes. Details regarding ticket sales and guest appearances will be released shortly, so stay tuned for more information!

The RICE on STAGE 'Love Rice' event is a perfect opportunity to explore the culinary aspects of love and dedication towards rice, reviving its charm in modern dining culture.