Best 6 Japanese Rice Brands 2018

There are a lot of different kinds of Japanese rice brands. Here are the most commonly grown rice varieties in Japan as of 2018.

This information is based on the komenet web page (Japanese language only).

Table of Contents

#1: Koshihikari (35%)

Koshihikari (コシヒカリ) is a very popular Japanese rice brand for a long time. It accounts for 35% of the total.

Koshihikari produced in Uonuma area, Niigata prefecture is known as the most expensive rice in Japan.

Hitomebore (ひとめぼれ) is mainly produced in Tohoku region.

It is very strong and easy to produce in cold climates, so it become a very popular brand.

It remains tasty at room temperature.

Hinohikari (ヒノヒカリ) is mainly produced in Kyusyu region. Its genetic parent is Koshihikari.

It is a very tasty rice brand in West Japan.

Akitakomachi (あきたこまち) is also a very popular Japanese rice brand for a long time. Mainly produced in Akita, Iwate, and Ibaraki prefectures.

It has similar feature as Koshihikari.

Nanatsuboshi (ななつぼし) is mainly produced in Hokkaido. Yumepirika is also popular rice brand in Hokkaido.

Haenuki (はえぬき) is produced in Yamagata (Tohoku region). Its genetic parent is Akitakomachi.

It is very tasty but not well-known. So, it is cost efficient rice brand.

Maybe 7-Eleven’s onigiri (rice balls) in Japan uses Haenuki.

It remains tasty at room temperature.

There are many other rice brands in Japan. Each of them has a slightly different taste.

Also, taste of rice is affected by freshness. Check the polished date when you buy Japanese rice.