Summary
Kinmemai Premium is a Japanese rice blend certified by Guinness World Records in 2016 as the world’s most expensive. Made by Toyo Rice Corporation, it combines five award-winning rice varieties aged for six months and polished using patented buffing technology. Only 1,000 boxes are produced each year. The goal is to celebrate Japanese rice and support high-quality farming.
Introduction
What makes a bowl of rice worth more than gold by weight?
Meet Kinmemai Premium, Japan’s most prized grain, created by Toyo Rice Corporation.
In 2016, Guinness World Records named it the world’s most expensive rice. But behind its price lies a story of passion, precision, and pride — not profit.
Keiji Saika’s Vision Behind Kinmemai Premium
The man behind Kinmemai Premium is Keiji Saika, now 91, president of Toyo Rice Corporation.
As a result, Keiji Saika launched the project to raise global respect for Japanese rice. He wanted farmers to focus on quality, not just yield.
He called it the “World’s Best Rice” project, built to show that Japan could produce rice of unmatched taste and nutrition.
What Makes Kinmemai Premium Rice Special
Kinmemai Premium is not a single variety. It’s a blend of five award-winning Japanese rice grains sourced from across the country.
Each grain is:
- Hand-selected for quality and blending compatibility
- Purchased at eight times the normal price to reward farmers
- Aged for six months to enhance flavor and texture
- Polished with Toyo Rice’s patented technology
This process removes only the hard outer wax layer while keeping the inner nutrients and natural oils.
The result is a nutty, rich rice with a deep flavor and smooth texture. It’s also rinse-free, saving both time and water.
The Science Behind Kinmemai Premium Rice
Toyo Rice developed a rice-buffing method that protects what traditional polishing destroys.
Instead of grinding the grain, the machine gently buffs it, keeping the nutritional core intact. That’s why Kinmemai Premium contains:
- 6 times more lipopolysaccharides (LPS) — a natural immune booster
- More vitamins and minerals than ordinary white rice
- Better taste retention after cooking
It’s proof that technology can respect tradition while improving everyday food.
Where Kinmemai Premium Rice Comes From
Many grains used in Kinmemai Premium come from Minamiuonuma, a famous Koshihikari-growing region.
This area is surrounded by mountains, giving it:
- Pure spring water from Mount Echigo-Komagatake
- Wide temperature changes between day and night
- Mineral-rich soil ideal for high-quality rice
These natural features produce larger grains with fuller flavor — the kind that define Kinmemai Premium.
Kinmemai Premium’s Aging Process for Perfect Flavor
After harvest, the rice is aged for six months through a special process developed by Toyo Rice 17 years ago.
This stage deepens the aroma, improves texture, and enhances what Saika calls the grain’s “vital energy.” The rice rests and breathes until it reaches perfect maturity, which means the flavor deepens over time.
Like fine wine or cheese, the rice matures slowly to reach its peak character.
Toyo Rice Corporation and the Making of Kinmemai Premium
Founded in 1961, Toyo Rice Corporation has led Japan’s rice milling industry for over 60 years.
Its mission is simple: Promote health and sustainability through better rice.
The company’s signature lines include:
- Kinmemai Better White™
- Kinmemai Better Brown™
- Kinmemai Premium™
Every step reflects a commitment to nutrition, water conservation, and responsible sourcing.
Why Kinmemai Premium Is Limited to 1,000 Boxes a Year
Kinmemai Premium is not mass-produced.
Each year, only 1,000 boxes are made. Every package is assembled and checked by hand.
This keeps the quality consistent, and therefore, honors the craft behind it. The limit exists not to create rarity, but to preserve excellence.
How to Experience Kinmemai Premium Rice at Home
When you cook this premium rice, you’ll notice the difference:
- No rinsing required
- Even grains that cook uniformly
- A rich, nutty aroma that fills the kitchen
In the end, it’s more than a meal — it’s a sensory experience.
If you’re in Japan, you can find it in specialty stores or luxury food boutiques. You can also learn more from Toyo Rice Corporation’s website or read CNN’s feature article that explores its global recognition.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Kinmemai Premium so expensive?
Because it blends five award-winning rice varieties, aged and polished with advanced technology.
Q2. How much does it cost?
Around USD 100–110 per kilogram, depending on the year and packaging.
Q3. Do you need to wash it before cooking?
No. It’s rinse-free, preserving flavor and nutrition.
Q4. Can you buy it outside Japan?
Yes, but only from select importers or online gourmet retailers.
Q5. What makes it healthier?
It retains more natural LPS, which supports immunity and overall health.
How Kinmemai Premium Redefined Japanese Rice
For Keiji Saika, Kinmemai Premium was never about luxury. It was about honor and care — for rice, farmers, and tradition.
Each grain tells a story of dedication, technology, and the simple wish to make rice truly exceptional.
Credit
This article draws on reporting originally published by CNN Travel and Kinmemai.
Credit to CNN Travel and the Toyo Rice Corporation for sharing the insightful information.
This story is adapted from CNN Travel, “From hunger to luxury: The story behind the world’s most expensive rice“, with additional SEO and contextual research by Saju Elizamma.
