Mayor Hirokazu Hara of Itako City and Representative Director and President Yasuo Tanaya of JA Namegata Shiosai were promoting it. What they are both holding is "Ichibanboshi", a new early-maturing rice variety.
Since 2009, Itako City and the Itako Large-Scale Rice Cultivation Research Association have been working on developing "Ichibanboshi," a new early-maturing variety from Ibaraki Prefecture, hoping it would become the "star of hope" for Itako, a water-rich area. In 2012, they applied for the origin-specific product brand in Itako City, and in 2013, they achieved the first production and shipment nationwide.
In Itako City, Ichibanboshi is cultivated on 13 hectares using special cultivation methods (cultivation with less than half the amount of pesticides and chemical fertilizers) and on 33 hectares using general cultivation methods. This is equivalent to about 51 Kashima Stadium pitches.
This year, there were concerns due to the long rainy season, but the continuous hot days after the rainy season ended allowed the rice to grow well. As the saying goes, "seeing is believing" (or in this case, "eating is believing"), so even this country bumpkin, who doesn't have a culture of buying rice, decided to buy and try it.
The rice grains are shining. They seem to be urging me to eat them quickly. I'll wash them now. I'll cook them now.
It's cooked. I took a bite right away. Ah, it's fluffy. Sweet. The chewy texture of each grain is good. This is delicious. I can eat just rice without any side dishes. The deliciousness doesn't change even when it's cold, so it's said to be perfect for onigiri. I agree. I highly recommend it with confidence.
The term "shinmai" (new rice) can also refer to inexperienced people or newcomers, and among various theories, one suggests it likens them to pure white rice that hasn't been "stained" by anything yet. As a "shinmai" myself, my mealtime became an occasion for me to ponder how I, too, wish to shine like "Ichibanboshi" and become a person of substance. I encourage everyone to try it.
Text and Photos: Sekiguchi (Community Collaboration Team)
Roadside Station Itako Fresh Market Itaro
1326 Maekawa, Itako City, Ibaraki
TEL 0299-67-1161