Q. Why is rice so important in Japanese cuisine or for Japan and Japanese people ?

A. In Japanese myth, it’s believed Amaterasuohmikami (grand god so to speak) sent her grandson Niniginomikoto down to Japan. One of his mission was to bring rice seeding 🌾down here and have Japanese people fertilize this country. So rice is sacred food gifted by gods and this is why rice is so important in Japan.
Every year, the emperor of Japan who is believed to be a descendent of gods conducts a special ceremony to thank for harvest of the year called “Niiname-sai”. The very first Niiname-sai conducted by new emperor is called “Daijyo-sai”. Emperor Naruhito enthroned last May will conduct Daijyo-sai November this year. Rice from which area to be used for these festival is decided by augury using turtle shell🐢. This year rice from Tochigi prefecture and Kyoto prefecture will be used. ​

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