The single greatest trait that defines Japanese cuisine is the treatment of rice as the main staple.
In Japan, Niigata prefecture is famous as a production area of superior quality rice.
Niigata Rice, nurtured under combination of a rich natural environment and finely-honed technical skills, truly synonymous with Japanese rice.
Premiere grade rice is nurtured in paddy fields by an abundance of pure-flowing snowmelt from the mountains. The home of Niigata Rice enjoys the best possible natural conditions for rice-growing throughout all four seasons.
There are good reasons behind the delicious flavor of Niigata Rice
https://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/sec/syokuhin/niigatarice.html