Rice is a staple ingredient across many Asian countries, but it holds a particularly special place in Japan, where food and drinks made from rice carry significant symbolic weight in traditions and ceremonies—often featured in offerings to gods and ancestors.
But why do the Japanese cherish rice so much? Is it because it's affordable, filling, versatile, or perhaps something more? Let's find out!
Rice as Currency? It Makes Perfect Sense!
Rice has been a staple in Japan since the Jomon period around 400 BC (possibly even earlier!) It likely made its journey to Japan from Korea or China, first arriving on the southern shores of Kyushu island.
By the 7th century, rice was not just a food but a currency, used for paying taxes, measuring land value, and even as samurai salaries, laying the groundwork for modern financial systems in Japan.
In 1962, the average Japanese person consumed an impressive 118 kilograms of rice annually, equating to more than five bowls a day (you heard that right!), according to the Agriculture Ministry.
Western Diets and Rice in Modern Japan
Today, while rice remains an essential and even sacred element of Japanese meals, its consumption has dropped to less than 50 kilograms per person as of 2021.
This decrease mirrors a shift towards Western-style diets that often include wheat, reflecting changing dietary preferences among Japanese consumers.
Still, rice continues to be a common sight on Japanese tables thanks to its affordability, heartiness, and ability to soak up the exquisite flavors of Japanese cuisine.
A Sacred Ingredient
Rice holds a place of honor not only on the dinner table in Japan but also in its spiritual practices. In the ShintÅ religion of Japan, Shinsen refers to the array of food offerings presented to the kami (gods or sacred powers).
In these rituals, including weddings and ancestral offerings, rice and sake—an alcoholic beverage derived from rice—are classic elements. These offerings are an essential part of worship and vary depending on the shrine, all embodying respect and reverence for the gods and ancestors.
A Source of Inspiration for Artists
Image credit: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The significance of rice extends to the arts, especially evident in the iconic Ukiyo-e woodblock prints by masters like Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige.
These prints frequently feature agrarian scenes with rice fields, reflecting the central role of rice in shaping Japanese identity and its lasting impact on various aspects of life.
If you're not familiar with Japanese woodblock art, you're missing out on some of the finest decorative pieces you could own. It’s now possible to order your own authentic piece from Japan's only remaining woodblock publisher to add a touch of ancient aesthetic to your home and impress your guests.
The best recommendation? Definitely The Great Wave off Kanagawa—a breathtaking print by the renowned Ukiyo-e artist Hokusai that was created in late 1831 during the Edo period.
Delicious Japanese Rice Dishes (Why We Love Rice!)
Japan's affection for rice shines through in the many dishes that feature this incredibly versatile ingredient. Below, you'll find a few examples of their traditional rice-centric creations!
- Sushi: Perhaps the global ambassador of Japanese cuisine, sushi uses vinegared rice paired with various toppings like fish, vegetables, and even tropical fruits.
- Onigiri: These handy rice balls are a go-to snack or light meal in Japan, often wrapped in nori (seaweed) and filled with pickled plums (umeboshi), salted salmon, or tuna mayonnaise.
- Donburi: A satisfying bowl of rice topped with ingredients like breaded pork cutlet, beef, or fresh seafood.
- Curry Rice: A beloved import adapted to Japanese tastes, featuring a thick, mildly sweet curry sauce over rice—a true comfort food.
- Tamago Kake Gohan: A simple yet soulful dish of hot rice mixed with a raw egg and a splash of soy sauce, often enjoyed for breakfast.
- Mochi: Made from glutinous rice pounded into a sticky, chewy texture, mochi is enjoyed in various forms, from sweet treats to savory snacks.
What Makes Japanese Rice Superior?
Japanese rice stands out for its exceptional quality. It's cultivated with great care by farmers who start by nurturing the seedlings in enriching environments before transplanting them to paddy fields.
These non-GMO plants thrive in Japan's fertile soil, where they receive constant attention from growers, ensuring they reach their full potential.
The result is evident in the superior taste and texture of the rice once it's cooked.
Excitingly, local retailers across Japan are now looking to export their premium rice, making it easier for global consumers to experience its superior taste without visiting Japan.
Through the extensive online platform ZenPlus, over 5 million Japanese products are listed by more than 3,000 local retailers across the country, offering virtually endless items to browse through online, just like in a bustling Japanese shop—without the legwork!
This means you can easily add not only all types of high-quality premium Japanese rice to your cart but also all the other staples you need to infuse your table with authentic Japanese flavors. And even authentic Japanese tableware is available too!
All this and every imaginable item from Japan can be quickly ordered through ZenPlus and delivered swiftly, thanks to a team of experts who handle your order as soon as you place it.
We truly live in a global village now, don't we?
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
