Ingrained in the culture

epicure

·

Rice cultivation takes on a whole new level of respect and pride in Japan, where different regions emphasise the unique tastes of their grains.

, Ingrained in the culture

Ever since rice agriculture arrived in Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula in 400BC, Japanese rice—which belongs to the short grain rice variety of Japonica—has become an intrinsic part of Japanese culture. Rice-planting festivals, where farmers celebrate and pray for a good harvest, are still observed today. No credible Japanese hotel, unless it is one targeted at foreigners, will omit the ubiquitous onigiri (rice balls) for breakfast.

Excerpt from the Japanese Supplement, November 2013 issue of epicure.

SHARE

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

SUBSCRIBE

GET IT NOW

Download and read this month's digital issues

SUBSCRIBE

NEWSLETTER