Japanese farmers use units such as “1反 (1 tan)” or  “1町 (1 Cho)” to describe the size of rice paddies. Let’s learn how big they are and how much rice can be harvested from 1 tan. Units used by farmers in Japan The units used by farmers include 歩 (bu) 畝 (se) 反 (tan) 町 (cho) The size increases in the order of 歩 (bu) <畝 (se) <反 (tan) <町 (cho). Non-farmers may not be familiar with this unit, but in essence, 1反 (1 tan) refers to one rice paddy and 1町 (1 Cho) refers to ten rice paddies. How big is 1反 (1 tan)? The following table summarizes how

Read More

Have you ever heard of shinmai (new crop rice)? Shinmai is rice that has just been harvested. Shinmai is available in supermarkets around autumn, and this is how Japanese people feel the season. By the way, have you ever wondered about this? When can new rice be eaten and for how long? I can answer the questions for you. The timing of the new rice harvest depends on the region and climate. The time of harvest depends on the region and climate, and laws and regulations clearly define when rice is considered to be newly harvested. Enjoy your new rice when it’s ready to be harvested! When does the new

Read More

There is a cry that rice consumption is decreasing in Japan, but do you know how much it is decreasing? We would like you to know the reality of rice farmers. Rice consumption is decreasing Rice consumption is decreasing year by year. The consumption of rice per person per year peaked in 1962 at 118,3 kg, but by 2016 it had dropped to 54,4 kg, less than half the peak. Source: 農林水産省 米をめぐる関係資料(PDF:) Causes of Declining Rice Consumption The following are some of the possible causes of the decline in rice consumption Diversification of the diet to include bread and noodles Low birthrate and aging or declining population The increasing

Read More