7 Reasons Why You Should Try Imported Japanese Rice

Rice is one of the most widely consumed foods in the world, but not all types of rice are the same. Some are more nutritious, flavorful and satisfying than others. One of the best kinds of rice you can eat is imported Japanese rice. This is a special type of rice that is grown and processed in Japan, and then exported to other countries. Imported Japanese rice has many advantages over other kinds of rice, and it can enhance your diet and lifestyle in many ways. In this article, we will explain what imported Japanese rice is, how it differs from other types of rice, and why you should try it today. Here are seven reasons why imported Japanese rice is worth your attention.

1. It has a unique flavor and texture.

One of the most noticeable features of imported Japanese rice is its distinctive taste and feel. Imported Japanese rice has a mild, sweet and nutty flavor that is different from other types of rice. It also has a sticky and chewy texture that makes it easy to eat with chopsticks or your fingers. Imported Japanese rice is ideal for making sushi, onigiri, rice balls, and other dishes that require the rice to hold together. It also complements various sauces, soups and curries, as it absorbs the flavors well.

2. It is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Another benefit of imported Japanese rice is its nutritional value. Imported Japanese rice contains various vitamins and minerals that are essential for your health and well-being. Some of these nutrients include thiamine, niacin, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium. These nutrients help support your immune system, metabolism, nerve function and blood pressure. They also help prevent diseases such as anemia, beriberi, pellagra and scurvy.

3. It is easy to cook and store.

Imported Japanese rice is also very convenient to prepare and keep. Unlike some other types of rice that require soaking or rinsing before cooking, imported Japanese rice can be cooked directly after measuring the rice and water. You just need to bring the water to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until the water is absorbed. It usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes to cook one cup of rice. You can also use a rice cooker or a microwave to cook imported Japanese rice. Once cooked, you can store the rice in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to six months.

4. It is versatile and adaptable.

Imported Japanese rice can also be used for a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. You can make porridge, pudding, cake, cookies, bread and more with imported Japanese rice. You can also add different ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables, meat and seafood, to create your own recipes. You can experiment with different flavors, spices and herbs to make your dishes more interesting and delicious.

5. It is environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Imported Japanese rice is also good for the environment and the society. Imported Japanese rice is grown with care and respect for the natural resources and the local communities. The farmers use organic or natural fertilizers and pesticides, practice crop rotation and water conservation, and preserve the biodiversity of the land. They also follow strict quality standards and regulations to ensure the safety and freshness of the rice. By buying imported Japanese rice, you are supporting the farmers’ livelihoods and their efforts to protect the environment.

6. It is affordable and accessible.

Imported Japanese rice is also not as expensive as you might think. You can find it in many supermarkets, online stores and specialty shops at reasonable prices. You can also buy it in bulk or in small packages depending on your needs and preferences. Imported Japanese rice is available in different varieties, such as short-grain, medium-grain or long-grain; white, brown or black; polished or unpolished; regular or premium; etc.

7. It is culturally and historically significant.

Imported Japanese rice is more than just food; it is also a symbol of culture and history. Rice has been cultivated in Japan for over 2,000 years and has played an important role in its religion, art, literature and cuisine. Rice is considered a sacred gift from the gods, a source of life and prosperity, a medium of expression and communication, and a staple of everyday meals. By trying imported Japanese rice, you can experience a part of Japan’s rich heritage and tradition.

As you can see, imported Japanese rice has many benefits that make it worth trying today. Whether you are looking for a new way to enjoy rice or want to explore a different culture’s cuisine, imported Japanese rice can offer you something special that you won’t find elsewhere.

The Rise and Fall of Imported Japanese Rice

Japan is known for its high-quality rice, which is an essential part of its cuisine and culture. However, in recent years, Japan has faced challenges in maintaining its domestic rice production and consumption, as well as its rice trade with other countries. In this blog post, we will explore some of the statistical trends and factors that have influenced the rise and fall of imported Japanese rice.

The Peak of Rice Imports in 2017

According to the Trade Statistics of Japan by the Ministry of Finance, Japan imported about 767 thousand tons of rice in 2017, which was the highest amount since 2008. The value of rice imports was also the highest in a decade, reaching US$358.3 million. The main sources of imported rice were the United States (58%), Thailand (39%), and Australia (1.9%) . The imported rice was mainly used as animal feed or for processing purposes, such as making sake, vinegar, or flour.

The surge in rice imports in 2017 was mainly due to two reasons: the decline in domestic rice production and the increase in tariff-rate quota (TRQ) obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 2017, Japan’s rice production volume was 7.77 million tons, which was the lowest since 1993. The decrease was caused by unfavorable weather conditions, such as heavy rains and typhoons, that damaged the crops. On the other hand, Japan’s TRQ obligations under the WTO required it to import a minimum amount of rice every year, regardless of its domestic supply and demand. In 2017, Japan’s TRQ was set at 682 thousand tons, which was higher than the previous year’s level of 668 thousand tons.

The Decline of Rice Imports in 2020

However, in 2020, Japan’s rice imports dropped significantly to 670.4 million US dollars, which was a 28.8% decrease from 2017. The volume of rice imports also declined to 670.4 thousand tons, which was a 12.6% decrease from 2017. The main reasons for the decline were the recovery of domestic rice production and the reduction of TRQ obligations.

In 2020, Japan’s rice production volume increased to 8.06 million tons, which was a 3.7% increase from 2017. The increase was attributed to favorable weather conditions, improved crop varieties, and increased planting area. Moreover, Japan’s TRQ obligations under the WTO were reduced to 604 thousand tons in 2020, which was lower than the previous year’s level of 682 thousand tons. The reduction was part of Japan’s commitment to liberalize its agricultural market under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The Future of Rice Imports in Japan

The future of rice imports in Japan is uncertain, as it depends on various factors, such as domestic supply and demand, international trade agreements, consumer preferences, and environmental changes. According to Statista, Japan’s rice consumption is projected to decline from 8.2 million tons in 2020 to 7.9 million tons in 2025. This is due to the aging population, changing dietary habits, and increasing competition from other grains and foods. On the other hand, Japan’s rice production is expected to remain stable or slightly increase in the next few years, as the government supports farmers with subsidies, incentives, and technical assistance.

As for Japan’s rice trade with other countries, it is likely that Japan will continue to import some amount of rice under its TRQ obligations under the WTO and CPTPP. However, the volume and value of rice imports may vary depending on the market prices, exchange rates, quality standards, and sanitary regulations. Moreover, Japan may face new challenges or opportunities in its rice trade due to the emergence of new trade partners or competitors, such as China, India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

In conclusion, imported Japanese rice has experienced a rise and fall in recent years due to various factors affecting its production and consumption. While Japan remains a major importer of rice in the world market, its future demand for imported rice may decline or fluctuate depending on its domestic and international situation.

References:

http://www.futuresindustry.org/fiajapan-2620.asp

https://www.statista.com/topics/9986/rice-market-in-japan/
https://www.worldstopexports.com/rice-imports-by-country/
https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Competitive%20Changes%20Expected%20in%20Japanese%20Rice%20Market_Tokyo_Japan_7-3-2018.pdf
https://www.customs.go.jp/toukei/info/index_e.htm

https://www.japancentre.com/en/categories/1011-rice

https://www.japanesecooking101.com/how-to-cook-japanese-rice/

https://www.justonecookbook.com/japanese-rice/