RiceTochihonoka
Tochigino-Hoshi
Nasuhikari"Washoku", a registered UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
and Japanese rice from Tochigi

Japanese rice at the center of attention
In December 2013, "Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese" was registered as a
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, making Japanese food once again attract global attention. Thisalso has led to an increased volume of rice exports. Targeting further expansion of rice exports, we put alot of effort into promotions to overseas markets such as South East Asia and the US.

Secrets of the great taste of Tochigi rice
1. Fertile soil
2. Mineral-rich water resources
3. Long daylight hours
4. Frequent "thunderstorms" during summer
The ingredients of the great taste of Tochigi rice are "fertile soil", "mineral-rich waterresources", "long daylight hours", and frequent "thunderstorms" during summer. Tochigi
prefecture is one of the areas in Japan that has the "longest daylight hours", which makes
rice sweet. Thunderstorms bring the temperature down at night, making rice store
nutrition to withstand the weather. A large day-night temperature difference duringsummer, which is rice's growth period, adds more flavor to the rice.

Rice varieties harvested in Tochigi prefecture
Koshihikari (trade name: Tochihonoka)
Glossy and aromatic
Koshihikari was the most produced breed by 1966. It earned the "Special A" (the highest) rank in the rice taste
test by the Japan Grain Inspection Association from 2013 to 2016, in 2018, and 2019.

Tochigino-Hoshi
Large grains and a good taste even when cold
Tochigino-Hoshi was ranked "Special A" (the highest) in the rice taste test by the Japan Grain Inspection
Association in 2015 as well as from 2017 to 2019. It attracted a lot of attention in 2019 since it was chosen tobe used at "Daijosai", an important ceremony accompanying imperial enthronement.

Nasuhikari
Natural rice sweetness and flavor
Nasuhikari is a Tochigi native brand developed in 2005. Since it is cold resistant, it is grown primarily in thenorthern part of the prefecture. It earned the "Special A" (the highest) rank in the rice taste test by the Japan
Grain Inspection Association from 2010 to 2015, in 2018, and 2019.

Washoku and rice
Rice contains a lot of nutrients, such as starch, that works as the physical energy source. Rice and miso soup, pickles, and other dishes form the basic
Washoku menu with a good nutritional balance.
Rice is an essential part of Washoku, which attracts global attention as a healthy diet.

Introducing Tochigi rice to the world
To promote the attractive features of Tochigi rice to people in many countries, we have carried out a wide variety of PR activities.
At PR events, we coupled the rice and various ingredients that would go well with it, such as Tochigi Wagyu, and served it to visitors. Visitors enjoyed itvery much.

 Tochigi Wagyu and sushi rice go well together

 Rice PR activity in the USA PR activity in Thailand PR activity in Singapore

Eat Tochigi !
- Rice There may be many people who think "I want to eat Tochigi's tasty rice!" but don't know how to cook it.
In this video, two foreigners living in Tochigi prefecture who love onigiri learn from a Washoku chef how to cookrice. Then, they fully enjoy the taste of onigiri made with "Tochigino-Hoshi", the rice variety perfect for makingonigiri!

Producer's comment (Tochigino-Hoshi)
Summer in Tochigi prefecture is characterized by a temperature difference
created by the hot daytime and a temperature drop at night afterthunderstorms. This temperature difference gives rice the power to growstrong, resulting in production of tasty rice. Compared to other breeds,"Tochigino-Hoshi" has clearly larger grains, which become sweeter as they
are chewed more. We, producers, are growing rice with constant care toensure its safety. We hope you will try our Tochigi rice.

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