The Causal Factors behind Brown Rice Distribution in Japan (Chinese, Japanese and English versions)

The mechanisms for circulation, storage, and inspection of brown rice established in Japan represent a highly unique cultural phenomenon in a global context. The circulation of brown rive in Japan dates back to 701 AD, its storage began in the 1630s, and its inspection system was established in 1951. However, the origin of all these developments lie in Japan’s adaptation of technologies, political institutions, and cultural practices learned from China. This paper examines the factors that led to the establishment of brown rice circulation in Japan through a comparative analysis of the evolutionary paths related to rice in both China and Japan. China emphasizes grain reserves due to the “granary system”, and the storage-friendly nature of rice makes it more suitable for this purpose. Although the “zuyongling system” briefly promoted the circulation of brown rice, the reserve system ultimately prioritized rice grain storage. In contrast, Japan’s tax specific tax polices, underdeveloped monetary economy, and lack of a centralized storage system led to a closed loop of “circulation priority-brown rice dependence-institutionalization”, making it the only country in the world where brown rice dominates circulation.