Yamagata Brand Rice “Tsuyahime”- “Rice Can Be So Delicious”
Yamagata brand rice “Tsuyahime” comes from the Kameno-o genealogy, which is the forefather of Japan’ｓ most delicious rice. The rice itself becomes the main treat of the meal, due to the outstanding quality of its grain size, white shine, taste, smell and stickiness.
Tsuyahime, delicious- hot or cold.
Tsuyahime’s defining feature is contained in its catchphrase; “Delicious- hot or cold.”
The grains are even in size, with a white shine and lustre. You can feel the sweetness and umami with every mouthful.
Tsuyahime rice is just as delicious even when cold, allowing you to enjoy it in onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes.
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“Why Does Tsuyahime Rice Taste So Good?”
Only producers who have high-level cultivation technology and have cleared certain requirements are certified to produce Tsuyahime rice, working solely in the rice fields in our designated cultivation area.
Furthermore, we only use environmentally friendly cultivation methods, and only ship rice that has cleared Yamagata Prefecture’s original shipping standards as “Tsuyahime rice”.
“Yamagata’s Tsuyahime Journey” – Photographer Satoru Abe Explores the Deliciousness of Tsuyahime
Here we will introduce our production areas and producers that carefully nurture Tsuyahime rice, through photos taken by photographer Satoru Abe.
Mr Abe’s first stop was the Matsuura family in Tsuruoka City. The first harvest of Dadacha beans peaks in late August, which is when this photo was taken. The beans are harvested in the morning, when the temperature outside is low.
In the afternoon, he visited the Tsuyahime rice fields, which are a short distance from Mr Matsuura’s home.
Mr Matsuura has been working on the production of Tsuyahime since the introduction of the cultivation exam before the debut of Tsuyahime, under the name “Yamagata No.97”. “Because we are the first generation of Tsuyahime producers, it is our responsibility to cultivate Tsuyahime for the next generation, in the same manner as we have learnt a lot from our predecessors, which has given us our current form of agriculture.”
Shortly after the Dadacha beans season is over, the harvesting of the rice begins.
The next place that Mr Abe visited was the “Four Seasons Farm” in Sagae City, where Mr Tsuchiya is the president. The clear stream of the Sagae River, originating from Mt Gassan, the main peak of the Three Mountains of Dewa, which holds icecaps, is indispensable for rice cultivation.
Mr Tsuchiya has been working in production since before the debut of Tsuyahime.
Currently, the CEO of the agricultural corporation “Four Seasons Farm” established by Mr Tsuchiya is his second-born son. His third-born son is the centre of the agricultural work, and Mr Tsuchiya himself is the chairman of the company. “Continuing my beloved farming, with a local rice wine at the end of the day, I couldn’t be happier.” he says with a big smile across his face.
Mr Abe’s camera naturally turns towards the rice fields turning a golden yellow hue, and the suntanned family standing within.
Enjoy the delicious Tsuyahime in Yamagata.