From hunger to luxury: The story behind the most expensive rice (2025)
6 hours ago
- #Japanese rice
- #agricultural innovation
- #luxury food
- Japanese chef Kenichi Fujimoto tests Kinmemai Premium rice, dubbed 'World’s Best Rice' and certified by Guinness World Records as the most expensive rice in 2016.
- Rice is considered Japan’s soul food, with 80% of good sushi attributed to the rice quality.
- Only 1,000 boxes of Kinmemai Premium are produced annually, selling out quickly due to high demand despite its steep price (10,800 yen or $73.4 per box in 2023).
- Keiji Saika, the 91-year-old president of Toyo Rice Corporation, initiated the 'World’s Best Rice' project to elevate Japanese rice's global profile, not for profit but to inspire farmers to cultivate premium strains.
- Kinmemai Premium is made through a meticulous process: selecting top award-winning rice varieties, testing enzyme levels, aging the rice, and blending four high-quality strains.
- Saika’s dedication stems from childhood experiences of post-WWII food shortages, driving his mission to improve rice production and quality.
- Chefs Fujimoto and Nansen Lai praise Kinmemai’s flavor and texture but note it’s too expensive for restaurant use and better suited for plain servings or luxury gifts.
- The project aims to support struggling rice farmers by raising the value of Japanese rice and encouraging younger generations to continue farming.
- Saika remains actively involved in his company, motivated by a desire to contribute to Japan’s future and societal benefit.