TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In response to Japan’s rice shortage, a group of NGOs led by Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank CEO Yaita Akio donated 20 tonnes of Taiwan rice to 300 schools in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
Yaita said Japan endured a very hot summer last year, which resulted in a poor rice harvest. The shortage, coupled with the growing trend of dining out and an influx of foreign tourists, led to a tripling of domestic rice prices, per CNA.
As a result, many Japanese elementary and junior high schools adjusted their lunch menu. Schools either served smaller portions of rice or opted for alternatives such as bread or noodles as a cost-saving measure.
Students at Hofu Shiritsu Kokufu Junior High School were served Tainan No. 11 rice for lunch on Wednesday. Many said they were delighted to try Taiwan rice for the first time, adding that the charitable donation made them feel closer to Taiwan.
School lunch in Japan served with Tainan No.11 rice. (CNA photo)
When students at the school were asked if they had heard of Taiwan, every student raised their hand. One child told reporters he followed Taiwanese baseball player Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲).
Later, the discussion turned to the differences between Taiwanese and Japanese rice. One student said Tainan No. 11 rice has a more neutral taste and does not clash with side dishes.
AloJapan.com