Shiga Mizukagami -滋賀 みずかがみ- 2025 Crop

Mizukagami（みずかがみ）

Climate-Resilient Omi Rice from Shiga — Clean Sweetness and Reliable Quality

Mizukagami (みずかがみ) is Shiga Prefecture’s signature modern rice variety, developed by the prefectural government to respond to warming climate conditions while preserving excellent eating quality. Grown across Shiga and promoted by JA Zennoh Shiga, Mizukagami has become a central pillar of Ōmi Rice (近江米)—the collective name for Shiga-grown rice.

It is a rice defined by stability, balance, and approachability, offering flavor comparable to Koshihikari while remaining dependable even in hot growing seasons.

Why Mizukagami Is Special

🌾 Developed for a Warming Climate
Mizukagami was bred specifically to:

• Resist heat-related quality loss

• Reduce chalky or damaged grains in hot summers

• Maintain consistent appearance and texture year after year

This makes it a forward-looking rice designed for real-world growing conditions.

🍚 Excellent Taste with Proven Recognition
Despite its climate resilience, Mizukagami does not compromise on flavor:

• Clean, gentle sweetness

• Moderate, well-balanced stickiness

• Soft yet structured texture

• Clear aroma and smooth finish

It has earned Special A (TokA) ratings in national taste evaluations, placing it on par with—or even exceeding—Koshihikari in overall balance.

Taste & Texture Profile

• Refined, calm sweetness

• Balanced stickiness without heaviness

• Smooth mouthfeel

• Light, refreshing finish

Mizukagami is designed to be easy to eat every day, never tiring or overpowering.

Grown with Care for Lake Biwa

Many Mizukagami products are certified as “Environmentally Friendly Agricultural Products (環境こだわり農産物)”, meaning:

• Reduced pesticide use

• Reduced chemical fertilizers

• Practices designed to protect Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake

This makes Mizukagami a rice that reflects both taste and responsibility.

Early-Harvest Variety

Mizukagami matures:

• Several days to about one week earlier than Koshihikari

This helps farmers:

• Avoid peak summer heat

• Harvest more consistently

• Maintain stable quality

JA Zennoh Shiga’s Role

JA Zennoh Shiga plays a key role in:

• Coordinating quality standards across producers

• Promoting Mizukagami as a flagship Ōmi rice

• Supplying rice to school lunch programs, introducing children to high-quality local rice

• Educating consumers about rice, farming, and food culture

Their efforts ensure both trust and continuity in the Mizukagami brand.

Ideal Uses

• Everyday home meals

• Bento and school lunches

• Simple Japanese dishes

• Meals where rice should be balanced and reliable

Its clean profile pairs well with a wide range of cuisines.

Who This Rice Is For

• Those who want Koshihikari-level quality with lighter balance

• Families seeking dependable, everyday premium rice

• Customers interested in environmentally conscious agriculture

• Anyone looking for a modern, climate-smart Japanese rice

Our Commitment to Trust

We carry Mizukagami because it represents the future of regional rice:

• Developed with clear purpose

• Grown under unified quality standards

• Supported by transparent producer networks

This is not rice built on tradition alone—it is rice built on adaptation, balance, and responsibility.

If you want a clean, dependable Japanese rice that performs beautifully in daily meals and reflects modern farming values, Mizukagami is an outstanding choice.
Clear water. Stable quality. Everyday confidence.