Development, Characterization, and Distribution of New, High-yielding, and Highly Palatable Japanese Rice Cultivars “Tsukiakari” and “Niji-no-kirameki”

Abstract

New High-yielding and Highly Palatable Japanese Rice Cultivars boxes and rice balls sold in supermarkets and convenience stores) and dining out has increased. In change reflecting the tendency of Japan's population to prefer time-saving cooking styles due to changes in social structure, i.e., increases in single-person and double-income households, the proportion of rice used for commercial purposes was 15.2% in 1985, reached 30.8% in 2020, and is projected to exceed 40% in 2035 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan 2021; Rice Stable Supply Support Organization 2015).There is a high demand for developing high-yielding varieties that are highly compatible with large-volume rice cooking. High yields are linked with cost-saving, and high compatibility will increase cooking efficiency. Rice