일본 쌀 insights

(Changwon=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sun-kyung = Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative announced on the 22nd that Jinju rice has been exported to Japan for the first time. The rice exported to Japan is the 'Yeongho Jinmi' variety of Jinju Dream Rice, with a total export volume of 40 tons (worth 76,000 dollars). Jinju Dream Rice is recognized as a premium rice by both domestic and foreign consumers due to its moderate stickiness and soft texture. In preparation for the export, Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative adjusted the packaging design and weight units to suit local conditions in order to strengthen its consumer-oriented strategy for Japan. Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative plans to export a total of 480 tons of Jinju rice to Japan by the end of the year, starting with this export. Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative, along with Jinju City, NH Agricultural Cooperative Trade, and the Jinju City Agricultural Cooperative Rice Corporation Joint Business Corporation, has been working closely together to export Jinju rice to Japan. Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative has previously exported 180 tons of Hadong rice to Japan. Ryu Gil-nyeon, head of Gyeongnam NH Agricultural Cooperative, said, "The recognition of Gyeongnam rice in the global market is the fruit of the sweat and efforts of the farmers," and added, "We will strengthen the global competitiveness of Gyeongnam rice through localized packaging and differentiated export strategies." ksk@yna.co.kr

Suichi Tokumoto is one of the many foreigners who become "fanatics" after visiting Argentina. In his case, when he first set foot in Rosario in 2022, he was not amazed by Messi, nor by the mate, but by direct seeding. So much so, that he became a staunch promoter and decided to take it to Japan to apply it to rice cultivation. Beyond dabbling in music during his free time, and even composing a "hit" about direct seeding, the label of "rockstar" suits him quite well. Tokumoto considers himself an exponent of modern agriculture in his country, and even defines himself as an "influencer" who is here to change the "bad press" that the countryside has. During one of the panels of the Aapresid Congress, in front of a very small audience, this Japanese producer recounted how he brought the Argentine technique to the East and what plans he has for the country in the long term. As it could not be otherwise, he closed his presentation with his music video. Despite being pioneers in the ...

Although inflation in Japan slowed more than expected in June, rice prices have doubled in a year (+99.2% between June 2024 and June 2025). This is according to data recently published by the Japanese government and collected by the AFP agency. Prices continue to skyrocket despite measures taken by the Japanese Government, such as the release of part of the strategic rice reserves. The 2023 harvest (consumed last year) was reduced by record heat, while rice demand in 2024 increased due to panic buying following authorities' warnings about a possible "megaquake," the rising cost of imported food, and record tourism. Above all, merchants accumulated rice to increase their long-term profits, according to experts cited by AFP. The rice crisis is also becoming a political issue. In particular, it was one of the ...