Japan's earliest rice harvest has begun on Ishigaki Island
Hello, everyone!
On May 18th, the harvest of the 2026 crop year's new rice (ultra-early harvest rice), which can be "eaten earliest in Japan," has finally begun on Ishigaki Island!
How wonderful that you can enjoy the first new rice of the season earlier than anywhere else in the country!
Overcoming cold weather and lack of rain... Farmers' carefully tended "Hitomebore"
This year, Mr. Ohama, who lives in Kabira, was the first to start harvesting on the island.
At a rice paddy in the Sakieda district, he carefully cut the rice stalks while riding a combine harvester and loaded them onto a truck.
Mr. Ohama carefully saved part of the second-crop rice harvested last autumn as "seed rice" and planted it in the paddy on January 27th of this year, at a surprisingly early date.
This year's rice cultivation was far from straightforward...
The Sakieda district is located in the western part of Ishigaki Island, which has no irrigation facilities. This year, truly challenging conditions overlapped for farmers working with nature.
- Severe temperature fluctuations: Rapid temperature changes during the planting period
- Severe lack of rain: Very little rainfall through April
- Animal damage: Damage from wild boars and ducks
Unfortunately, due to these factors, the harvest yield from Mr. Ohama's paddy is expected to be lower than last year. However, the rice he cultivated with such care is of excellent quality.
Mr. Ohama also said, "I took great care to grow it safely and securely, so I want everyone to enjoy it."
Having overcome these harsh conditions and successfully completed the harvest, Mr. Ohama's words carry real weight. We'd love to try rice grown with such dedication!
Every year, Mr. Ohama's paddy, which produces the earliest harvest, attracts coverage from NHK, local TV stations, and local newspapers.
Why can you eat "new rice" all year round on Ishigaki Island?
Here are some fun rice facts unique to tropical Ishigaki Island!
① Okinawa's largest rice-producing region
Ishigaki Island accounts for approximately 60% of all rice produced in Okinawa Prefecture, making it a top-class production area.
② Two harvests per year and the difference in flavor
Thanks to the warm climate, rice can be harvested twice a year. The appeal is that you can enjoy different delicious flavors all year round depending on the season.
| Cultivation Schedule | Flavor Characteristics | |
|---|---|---|
| First-crop rice (this time!) | Planted late January → Harvested May–June | Umami spreads with each bite, pairs well with curry |
| Second-crop rice | Planted before summer → Harvested October–November | Plump sweetness and rich aroma |
③ An unexpected bond with Iwate Prefecture
"Hitomebore," widely grown on Ishigaki Island, has an interesting history: when Iwate Prefecture was hit by a major cold-weather disaster in 1993, Ishigaki Island grew seed rice on their behalf during the winter to secure seeds for the following year. Thanks to this connection, it has become established as the island's signature rice variety.
Want to try Ishigaki Island's delicious rice!
The rice harvest on Ishigaki Island will reach its peak in mid-June and continue until early July. It will be shipped not only to local farm stands but also in large quantities to the main island of Okinawa!
This season, production is expected to reach 480 tons on Ishigaki Island and 100 tons on Iriomote Island. The brown rice is brought to the JA Okinawa Rice Center, located near Omoto526, where it is dried, milled, and then shipped.
On Yonaguni Island, one farmer began rice cultivation a few years ago. This rice is also brought to the Rice Center, but after milling, it returns to Yonaguni Island. When you visit Yonaguni Island, be sure to try rice from Japan's westernmost point.
Despite ongoing challenges such as rising material costs and weather conditions, the island's rice is being protected through hometown tax donation support and the introduction of smart farming technologies. If you have the chance, please try some delicious Yaeyama-grown rice.
Finally
Within Ishigaki City, "Hitomebore" from Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island is also sold at Yuratiku Market. Be sure to try Japan's earliest new rice, grown under the full tropical sun.
The second-crop rice from Iriomote Island will change to the "Milky Summer" variety. In autumn, please try this rice as well.
Omoto526 has a rice cooker, so please enjoy it together with local vegetables and other ingredients.