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新潟/Niigata | SKU: A-242614-6

Niigata Shinosuke -新潟新之助- 2025 Crop

$15⁹⁹

Weight

Milling rate

Description

Shibata Shinnosuke

Bold, Modern Niigata Rice from Shibata City — Deep Flavor, Beautiful Grains

Shinnosuke is Niigata Prefecture’s flagship next-generation rice variety, developed over eight years to stand alongside—rather than replace—Koshihikari. Grown across Niigata, including Shibata City, Shinnosuke offers a completely different expression of Niigata rice: larger grains, deeper richness, and outstanding resilience when cooled.

In Shibata, especially the Kaji River region, farmers use abundant water resources and carefully selected organic fertilizers to produce Shinnosuke of exceptional quality, combining modern breeding with traditional agricultural discipline.

What Makes Shibata Shinnosuke Special

🌾 Large, Lustrous Grains
Shinnosuke is instantly recognizable:

Noticeably larger grains
Brilliant gloss when cooked
Strong visual presence on the plate

It is a rice designed to look as good as it tastes.

🍚 Deep Sweetness & Umami-Rich Body
Unlike Koshihikari’s light elegance, Shinnosuke emphasizes:

Refined sweetness that grows as you chew
Pronounced richness and depth (“koku”)
A satisfying, full-bodied flavor profile

This makes it especially appealing to those who want rice with character and substance.

💪 Elastic Texture with Clean Separation

Pleasant stickiness without heaviness
Firm, springy bite
Grains hold together yet separate cleanly

The texture remains stable and enjoyable even after cooling.

❄️ Excellent When Cool
Shinnosuke was bred with modern eating habits in mind:

Resists hardening after cooling
Maintains sweetness and elasticity
Ideal for bento, onigiri, and prepared meals

Shibata City & the Kaji River Advantage

Shibata City is one of Shinnosuke’s key production areas, supported by:

Clean, mineral-balanced water from the Kaji River system
Fertile soils enriched with organic fertilizers
Experienced growers working with local JA guidance

These conditions allow Shinnosuke to fully express its rich flavor and structural integrity.

How Shinnosuke Differs from Koshihikari

	Koshihikari	Shinnosuke
Grain size	Medium	Large
Flavor	Light, elegant sweetness	Deep, rich sweetness
Texture	Soft, cohesive	Springy, resilient
Best use	Traditional washoku	Bento, hearty meals, modern cuisine

Shinnosuke is often described as “Niigata’s second deliciousness”—a bold alternative rather than a variation.

Proven Quality & Recognition

Developed from Niigata 75 × Hokuriku 190
Commercial release began in 2017
Awarded Special A (TokA) rating by the Japan Grain Inspection Association
Strict production and inspection standards across Niigata

Ideal Uses

Bento and onigiri
Grilled meats and rich sauces
Modern Japanese and Western dishes
Anyone who prefers rice with presence and bite

Who This Rice Is For

Fans of Koshihikari looking for something different
Those who enjoy bold flavor and firm texture
Customers who value performance after cooling
Anyone curious about Niigata’s newest top-tier rice

Our Commitment to Trust

We carry Shibata Shinnosuke because it represents the future of Niigata rice:
carefully bred, rigorously controlled, and clearly distinct in character.

This is not simply “another Niigata rice”—it is a deliberate, modern expression of what premium Japanese rice can be.

If you want a rice with size, strength, and depth—without sacrificing refinement—Shinnosuke delivers.
Bold grains. Lasting flavor. Modern Niigata excellence.

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REWARD PROGRAM

Japanese rice is short-grain rice. "Hakumai," Japanese white rice, is milled to remove the rice bran from the brown rice, known as "Genmai".

"Butsuki-mai" is partially milled rice, named after how much of the bran has been removed from the brown rice.

The nutritional value of bran is retained by adjusting the ratio of milled rice:

30% milled rice: 30% of the bran has been removed.
50% milled rice: 50% of the bran has been removed.
70% milled rice: 70% of the bran has been removed.

How to Cook White Rice & Partially Milled Rice

Instructions:

Measure the rice.
1. Level off the rice in the measuring cup.
2. 1 rice measuring cup = 180ml/150g.
Rinse the rice.
1. Add water to the bowl and pour it out quickly.
2. This removes any dust from the rice's surface and avoids being absorbed.
Wash the rice.
1. Gently wash the rice by stirring by hand with the water drained.
2. Repeat 2-3 times.
3. Drain the water with a strainer.
4. Transfer the rice to a pot.
5. Add water: 180-200 ml per 1 rice measuring cup.
Presoak in water.
1. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes to allow it to absorb water.
2. Rice will be tender and cooks evenly afterwards.

Cook in a pot:

Put the lid on the pot.
Turn it over medium heat to reach boiling (10-15 minutes)
Once boiled, keep it for 2 minutes.
Then lower the heat, boil for another 3 minutes.
Turn the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes.
Turn off the heat.
Steam the rice.
1. Remove it from the stove.
2. Keep the lid on and leave it for 5-10 minutes to steam.
Stir the rice.
1. Carefully open the lid.
2. Dig from the bottom of the pot using a rice scoop.

Cook in a rice cooker:

Transfer the washed rice to the inner pot.
Add water to the measuring line.
Turn it on the "White Rice" mode and start cooking.
Once cooked, carefully open and gently stir.

Japanese brown rice, also known as “Genmai,” is short-grain brown rice.

Brown rice retains the bran and germ intact, making it rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is less sticky than white rice, has a nutty flavor, and subtle sweetness.

How to Cook Brown Rice and Cooking Tips

Cooking tips and steps:

Rub Gently
1. Rub the brown rice gently while washing.
2. It helps each rice grain absorb water, resulting in softer rice.
3. Change the water and repeat washing for 1-2 minutes.
Soak Longer
1. Soak the rice longer than white rice, at least 2 hours.
2. It allows to soak more moisture and maximize flavor.

Cook in a pot:

Drain the water and remove it to a pot.
Use cold water.
1. Add water: 270 - 300ml per 1 rice measuring cup.
2. Use cold water or water with ice cubes for cooking.
3. The water temperature rises gradually, it allows the rice to absorb moisture at a steady pace.
4. Placing the rice in the refrigerator when presoaking also helps.
Keep the lid on.
1. Keep the lid on, let the steam cook the rice tender.
Start with medium heat to reach boiling (10-15 minutes).
Once boiled, reduce the heat to low.
Cook for 20 minutes on low heat, keeping the lid on.
Turn off the heat.
Remove the pot from the stove and steam for 10 minutes.
Keep the lid on, never open.
Carefully open the lid.
Fluff the rice with a rice scoop.

Cook in a Rice Cooker:

Transfer the washed rice to the pot.
Add water to the measuring line.
Turn on the "Brown Rice" mode and start cooking.
Gently stir the cooked rice.

SHIPPING

Delivery and handling charges for orders are as follows: Delivery Charges / Per Destination

<Updated 7/1/2025>
Starting 7/1/25, orders that do not qualify for free shipping will be charged a calculated shipping fee by weight.

- NY, NJ, CT

Free shipping on purchases of $60 or more
For orders under $60, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

- States Group1*

Free shipping on purchases of $80 or more
For orders under $80, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

- States Group2*

Free shipping on purchases of $100 or more
For orders under $100, shipping is automatically calculated based on the number of items and their weight.

[Group1*]

States other than the below

[Group2*]

Arizona
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Montana
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*We do not currently ship to AK and HI
*Gift cards do not apply toward the free shipping total.

SHIPPING POLICY

RETURN

In principle, we do not accept returns or exchanges at the customer's convenience. In the unlikely event that an item is missing, different from the one ordered, or arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days via our Contact form.

REFUND POLICY

We're the rice factory

We believe you deserve the highest quality and freshest rice possible.

What Makes Our Rice So Special?

At the rice factory, we carefully select rice produced with no pesticides or low pesticides after thoroughly evaluating its place of origin, taste, aroma, and texture. We also personally visit the growing areas!