Rice is not commercially grown anywhere in New Zealand.
These seeds were originally cultivated by Professor Sakurai in Kaiwaka, who sadly passed away in 2024.
Some of his friends lovingly preserved and shared his seeds — keeping his legacy alive.
Now, you can grow your own rice at home — a small but hopeful step toward future food security.
Grow your own Japanese short-grain rice — Yukihikari
This easy and fun project is perfect for beginners and curious kids.
Watch your seedlings grow from tiny 5 cm sprouts in a jar to tall, golden rice ready for harvest — all in your own bucket!
How to grow rice in NZ
Now there are only a few seeds left, but you can get more as you successfully grow the rice.
Check out a free step-by-step guide here:I wish you all the best as you grow your rice!
Free PDF Download here
Please contact if download isn’t working for you.
More to read about owners of rice in New Zealand
Prof. Sakurai and his Kaiwaka rice _(STONE SOUP)
Why we need to grow more rice in New Zealand （RNZ)
Meet the scientist growing rice in the South Island(The Post)
Contact form
Feel free to ask any questions!
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