Journal
How the "World's Best"
Natural Rice is Grown
How the "World's Best" Natural Rice is Grown at Minori Garden
Minori Garden is an eighth-generation rice farm whose history spans more than 250 years. Across generations, the family has carried forward a simple belief: "Rice is not merely food — it is a blessing to be protected and passed on." Their fields continue this tradition with sincerity and dedication.
Guided by Nature
Located in Shinjo City, Yamagata, Minori Garden’s fields are shaped by deep snow, pure spring water, and sharp temperature contrasts. Warm summer days build sweetness, while cold nights lock that flavor into each grain. Mineral-rich mountain water nourishes the fields naturally, giving the rice its clarity, fragrance, and gentle sweetness — a flavor unique to this land.
Even in Japan, it is said that farmers who practice truly natural cultivation is less than 0.001%. Led by farmer Shigeo Igarashi, Minori Garden's cultivation practice is "natural" in its truest form; no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, not even organic fertilizers. It relies simply on the power of soil, water, and careful human attention.
The farmer provides what nature cannot — cool well water, oxygen-rich soil, and nutrients returned from rice straw and bran. Polishing is done with equal precision, revealing a grain that shines and retains its natural character. The result is rice that is clean, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.
Awards and Achievements
Minori Garden’s dedication led to remarkable achievements. After years of continuous improvements on the soil and natural practice methods, their rice won the Gold Award at Japan’s largest rice competition and was ultimately recognized as the World’s Best Rice, chosen from over 5,000 entries.
Their signature blend of naturally cultivated Koshihikari, Yudai 21, and Tsuyahime, is a combination unique to Minori Garden, crafted to create balance, aroma, and an elegant finish.
Sharing the "World's Best" Natural Rice with the World
For Farmer Igarashi's family, sharing this rice with the world carries deep meaning. Their father traveled to America 40 years ago to study advanced agriculture, and today, the rice he helped shape is reaching the same land, a full-circle moment filled with gratitude and hope.
When cooked, the rice releases a soft, sweet aroma. The grains shine with remarkable clarity, each one distinct and tender. The flavor deepens as you chew — gentle at first, then rich, with a natural sweetness cultivated by winter cold and careful aging.
Minori Garden believes rice is Japan’s true treasure; gift shaped by nature, protected by farmers, and shared with gratitude. May this rice bring warmth, comfort, and happiness to your table.
Minori Garden’s rice is available outside of Japan exclusively from BA_SHO.
