Nagano Sasashigure（長野ササシグレ）
Naturally Farmed Heritage Rice from Ina — Elegant, Clear, and Timeless
Nagano Sasashigure is a rare heritage rice grown in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, by the rice farm Hase, using natural farming methods (無農薬・無化学肥料). Cultivated in the mountainous foothills of the Southern Alps, this rice revives one of Japan’s most refined historic varieties—now seldom found in modern markets.
the rice farm Hase grows Sasashigure not for yield or convenience, but to preserve flavor, lineage, and cultural value.
About the Producer — the rice farm Hase
the rice farm Hase operates in the hilly, depopulated regions of Ina City, focusing on:
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Revitalizing abandoned farmland
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Growing rice exclusively through natural cultivation
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Sharing high-quality Japanese rice with the world through direct, transparent sourcing
The farm also produces distinctive varieties such as Kamiakari (giant-germ rice) and other traditional cultivars, alongside rice-based processed foods—always guided by respect for soil vitality and natural growth cycles.
Natural Farming Philosophy（自然栽培）
Nagano Sasashigure is grown with:
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No pesticides
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No chemical fertilizers
Instead, the rice farm Hase relies on:
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Snowmelt water from the Southern Alps
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Long-term soil health and microbial balance
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Allowing rice to grow slowly and honestly
This approach is essential for Sasashigure, a delicate variety whose true elegance emerges only under restrained cultivation.
About the Variety — Sasashigure（ササシグレ）
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A prewar Japanese variety from the early Shōwa era
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The parent variety of Sasanishiki
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Once called the “Lady of Rice” (米の貴婦人) for its refined taste
Because it is susceptible to disease and lodging, Sasashigure is difficult to grow and now considered a “phantom rice” due to its rarity.
Taste & Texture Profile
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Light, refined sweetness
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Very low stickiness
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Clean, graceful mouthfeel
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Enhances the flavor of side dishes
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Excellent even when cooled
Compared to modern sticky rice, Sasashigure is restrained, calm, and food-forward.
Ideal Uses
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Traditional Japanese meals (washoku)
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Seasonal dishes and bento
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Meals enjoyed at room temperature
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For those who prefer clarity over richness
Who This Rice Is For
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Fans of classic, non-sticky Japanese rice
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Those who value rice as a supporting element of cuisine
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Customers interested in heritage varieties and natural farming
Our Commitment to Trust
We offer Nagano Sasashigure from the rice farm Hase because it represents:
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A rare living link to Japan’s rice history
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Transparent, natural cultivation
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Careful stewardship of difficult varieties
If you are looking for a rice with elegance, history, and quiet depth, Nagano Sasashigure delivers what modern varieties cannot.
Light sweetness. Clear texture. Enduring beauty.
If you’d like, I can also:
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Add a comparison with Sasanishiki or Koshihikari
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Create a short mobile-optimized version
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Include an educational sidebar on heritage rice varieties
