MUJI Launches "Ine no Tanada Hadeboshi Koshihikari" from Hiroshima Prefecture, Limited to 5 Stores
MUJI is launching "Ine no Tanada Hadeboshi Koshihikari" from Hiroshima Prefecture at 5 stores. This initiative utilizes fallow fields affected by aging population and depopulation, aiming for paddy field preservation and regional revitalization in collaboration with local groups.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 22:10
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MUJI (Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo / President & Representative Director Satoshi Shimizu) will begin selling "Ine no Tanada Hadeboshi Koshihikari" from Hiroshima Prefecture at 5 MUJI stores, limited edition, starting Monday, April 6th. Ryohin Keikaku aims to realize "A Good Life and Society" by sharing challenges and values with local communities and promoting various activities to revitalize regions. Furthermore, through store operations that are open to local communities, we aim for stores to become places that connect people to people, people to nature, and people to society. Ine no Tanada is a beautiful region that retains the picturesque scenery of old Japan. However, its landscape is gradually being lost due to the increase in fallow fields caused by an aging population and depopulation. The Hiroshima Business Division*1 began activities to restore the landscape of the terraced fields in 2019, together with "Inipichu-kai"*2, a local organization engaged in paddy field preservation. And now, for the first time, we will release rice harvested from this initiative.
**■ Initiative Utilizing Fallow Fields**
Akiota-cho, Yamagata District, located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture where Ine no Tanada is situated, is said to be highly likely to be certified as a potential "disappearing municipality" due to rapid population decline caused by the effects of an aging population. Despite Ine no Tanada being a beautiful region, chosen as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces of Japan," the increase in fallow fields has become a challenge. The Hiroshima Business Division, with the desire to contribute to the revival of fallow fields and the restoration of the terraced landscape, has, together with the local "Inipichu-kai," which has been protecting the terraced fields for many years, held participatory events such as rice planting and harvesting to increase the "related population" in Ine no Tanada and strive for the revival of fallow fields. To continue activities in Ine, we aim to achieve sustainable landscape preservation of Ine no Tanada through commerce by reviving fallow fields, increasing rice yield, and boosting revenue through rice sales.
**■ Rice Firmly Dried with Sunlight "Hadeboshi"**
Through the traditional sun-drying method called "hadeboshi," which involves drying with sun and wind, the rice is thoroughly dried by the blessings of nature such as sunlight and wind, bringing out its sweetness and umami. Compared to mechanical drying, the taste is gentler, and the original flavor of the rice can be felt. When eating, cooking after thorough soaking allows moisture to penetrate the core of the rice, ensuring heat is evenly distributed within the grains, resulting in fluffy cooked rice.
**◆ Product Information**
Product Name: Hiroshima Prefecture's Ine no Tanada Hadeboshi Koshihikari
Specification: 300g (approx. 2 servings)
Price: 490 yen (tax included)
Product Release Date: 4/6 (Monday)
**・Sales Stores (Limited to 5 stores)**
Hiroshima Alpark, Yume Terrace Gion, Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, Aeon Mall Kashihara, Kyoto Yamashina
Going forward, Ryohin Keikaku will continue its community-rooted activities. Furthermore, through product creation that leverages regional resources, we aim to create a cycle of stable production and revenue, and connect to sustainable regional revitalization through commerce.
*1 The "Hiroshima Business Division" of Ryohin Keikaku is one of the "Regional Business Divisions" established in 12 regions (currently 8 regions) nationwide in September 2021 to promote store openings in living areas and establish regional-centric business models, through exchange and cooperation with local residents and administrations.
*2 Established in 1998. An independent activity organization that works on regional revitalization as a subordinate organization of the Ine Neighborhood Association. It primarily aims to create "related population" by implementing rice farming experience events and paddy field owner programs.
**■ Initiative Utilizing Fallow Fields**
Akiota-cho, Yamagata District, located in the northern part of Hiroshima Prefecture where Ine no Tanada is situated, is said to be highly likely to be certified as a potential "disappearing municipality" due to rapid population decline caused by the effects of an aging population. Despite Ine no Tanada being a beautiful region, chosen as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces of Japan," the increase in fallow fields has become a challenge. The Hiroshima Business Division, with the desire to contribute to the revival of fallow fields and the restoration of the terraced landscape, has, together with the local "Inipichu-kai," which has been protecting the terraced fields for many years, held participatory events such as rice planting and harvesting to increase the "related population" in Ine no Tanada and strive for the revival of fallow fields. To continue activities in Ine, we aim to achieve sustainable landscape preservation of Ine no Tanada through commerce by reviving fallow fields, increasing rice yield, and boosting revenue through rice sales.
**■ Rice Firmly Dried with Sunlight "Hadeboshi"**
Through the traditional sun-drying method called "hadeboshi," which involves drying with sun and wind, the rice is thoroughly dried by the blessings of nature such as sunlight and wind, bringing out its sweetness and umami. Compared to mechanical drying, the taste is gentler, and the original flavor of the rice can be felt. When eating, cooking after thorough soaking allows moisture to penetrate the core of the rice, ensuring heat is evenly distributed within the grains, resulting in fluffy cooked rice.
**◆ Product Information**
Product Name: Hiroshima Prefecture's Ine no Tanada Hadeboshi Koshihikari
Specification: 300g (approx. 2 servings)
Price: 490 yen (tax included)
Product Release Date: 4/6 (Monday)
**・Sales Stores (Limited to 5 stores)**
Hiroshima Alpark, Yume Terrace Gion, Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, Aeon Mall Kashihara, Kyoto Yamashina
Going forward, Ryohin Keikaku will continue its community-rooted activities. Furthermore, through product creation that leverages regional resources, we aim to create a cycle of stable production and revenue, and connect to sustainable regional revitalization through commerce.
*1 The "Hiroshima Business Division" of Ryohin Keikaku is one of the "Regional Business Divisions" established in 12 regions (currently 8 regions) nationwide in September 2021 to promote store openings in living areas and establish regional-centric business models, through exchange and cooperation with local residents and administrations.
*2 Established in 1998. An independent activity organization that works on regional revitalization as a subordinate organization of the Ine Neighborhood Association. It primarily aims to create "related population" by implementing rice farming experience events and paddy field owner programs.
FAQ
What kind of place is "Ine no Tanada"?
It is a beautiful terraced rice field area in Akiota-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, selected as one of the "100 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces of Japan," facing the challenge of increasing fallow fields due to depopulation and aging.
What is the "Hadeboshi" drying method?
It is a traditional sun-drying method where rice stalks are bundled and naturally dried in the sun, enhancing the rice's sweetness and umami for a richer flavor.
Where can this rice be purchased?
It will be sold exclusively at 5 MUJI stores: Hiroshima Alpark, Yume Terrace Gion, Aeon Mall Hiroshima Fuchu, Aeon Mall Kashihara, and Kyoto Yamashina.