Attended the 2025 “Kisarazu Rice Taste Evaluation Contest” – 2025 Miss SAKE Japan Chisato Tateno

Hello everyone, this is Chisato Tateno, 2025 Miss SAKE Japan.
On Thursday, October 23, I had the honor of participating as a general judge in the 2025 “Kisarazu Rice Taste Evaluation Contest” held at the Kisarazu City Agricultural Cooperative (JA Kisarazu) in Chiba Prefecture.

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About the “Kisarazu Rice Taste Evaluation Contest”

Since 2020, the City of Kisarazu has hosted the Kisarazu Rice Taste Evaluation Contest each year with the goal of improving the quality and promoting the branding of rice produced locally by its farmers.
This year, the preliminary round evaluated 176 rice samples using an analytical rice taste measuring device, from which 15 samples were selected for the final round. During the final judging, a panel of 15 members — consisting of certified Rice Taste Appraisers and general judges — conducted a sensory evaluation to determine the winners, including the Grand Prize.

Five rice varieties — Koshihikari, Yuudai 21, Milky Queen, Tsubusuke, and Fusaotome — were nominated for the final round, three of which are also used in local school lunches. Judges evaluated each sample across five criteria: appearance, aroma, taste, stickiness, and firmness, and voted for the three samples they found most delicious.

Kisarazu City promotes environmentally friendly agriculture, local production for local consumption, and food education under its Organic Town Development Ordinance. The city provides Kisarazu School Lunch Rice®, cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, to all elementary and junior high schools within the city, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable local agriculture. This contest serves as a key initiative to showcase the appeal of Kisarazu rice nationwide while fostering the tradition of delicious rice cultivation for future generations.

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With Deep Respect for the Producers — Entering the Final Judging

The event opened with remarks from Mr. Yoshikuni Watanabe, Mayor of Kisarazu City.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation toward the rice producers, acknowledging their hard work under this year’s particularly severe summer heat, and shared his hopes for the continued growth of local rice cultivation.

After the opening, we moved to the judging tables, where we spent about 30 minutes tasting and evaluating the 15 finalist samples. This year’s judging panel included two certified Rice Taste Appraisers — Mr. Yoshio Ishikawa and Mr. Yoshiaki Imazeki — along with 13 general judges, including business representatives, Kisarazu citizens, and two high school students from Kisarazu Higashi High School.

During the tasting, I was struck by how distinct each rice sample was in its character and qualities. Every entry demonstrated a high level of perfection in aroma, texture, and flavor, making it truly difficult to distinguish rankings. Feeling the passion of each producer behind every grain, I focused my senses and evaluated each sample with utmost care. The farmers who entered their rice were seated directly in front of the judges’ tables, attentively observing the process — an arrangement that brought a strong sense of presence and respect to the room. Being able to evaluate the rice while meeting the gaze of the producers themselves was a humbling and moving experience that deepened my appreciation for their dedication.

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The Warmth of Kisarazu’s Land and Its People

For lunch, we enjoyed handmade sushi rolls and pork miso soup prepared by the women’s division of JA Kisarazu, featuring locally grown Niji no Kirameki rice. The plump, glistening grains and the gentle, home-cooked flavors left a lasting impression.
After the meal, I visited the JA Kisarazu Seikatsukan farmers’ market adjacent to the venue. Inside, shelves were filled with fresh local produce, homemade delicacies, and condiments. Sharing the space with local residents as we shopped together offered a warm and authentic glimpse into daily life in Kisarazu.

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The Awards Ceremony — Where Effort and Passion Bear Fruit

Following the morning’s judging, the award ceremony was held in the afternoon, during which I had the privilege of assisting as a Miss SAKE.

This year’s Grand Prize was awarded to Mr. Etsuji Kasuya of the Nakago district, who produces the Yuudai 21 variety. Witnessing his moment of surprise and joy at the announcement was deeply moving — a true testament to years of dedication and unwavering passion for rice cultivation.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.

Toward the end of the ceremony, certified Rice Taste Appraiser Mr. Yoshiaki Imazeki offered his judge’s comments. Based in Oamishirasato City, Chiba Prefecture, Mr. Imazeki is a rice farmer and producer of Hongoshi Rice, cultivated without pesticides or chemical fertilizers using the natural sweetness of the herb stevia. He is also actively engaged in local agricultural policy and food education initiatives, and Miss SAKE delegates have had the pleasure of visiting his farm annually for rice-harvesting experiences.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Hajime Ishiwata, Chairman of JA Kisarazu, marking the successful completion of this year’s contest.

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Through the 2025 Kisarazu Rice Taste Evaluation Contest, I was able to truly appreciate the richness and appeal of Kisarazu-grown rice. As I tasted each grain with the perspective of a judge, I was reminded of the immense care and love poured into every harvest, and I was deeply moved by the passion of those who continue to cultivate rice with sincerity in Kisarazu.

As Miss SAKE, I will continue to wholeheartedly support the growth of Japan’s rice culture and local agriculture, and I am committed to sharing their value widely — across Japan, around the world, and with the next generation.

Chisato Tateno
2025 Miss SAKE Japan