Hitomebore

Hitomebore is a Japanese term meaning love at first sight. The expression is formed from hitome, meaning at a glance, and bore, meaning to fall in love. It is commonly used in everyday language, literature, media, and advertising to describe an immediate, strong attraction.

In addition to its use as a phrase, Hitomebore is the name of a Japanese rice cultivar. The variety, a japonica rice (Oryza sativa), was developed in Japan and has become widely grown for household consumption. Hitomebore rice is valued for its eating quality, producing cooked grains that are tender yet cohesive with a pleasant gloss and moderate stickiness. It is considered versatile for plain steamed rice as well as dishes that benefit from well-textured rice, such as sushi and onigiri. The grain is typically categorized as medium to medium-short in length, contributing to a familiar, everyday rice texture favored in many Japanese homes.

In agriculture and commerce, Hitomebore has maintained a stable presence in Japanese markets as an accessible, everyday rice option. Breeders and producers emphasize consistent quality, reliable yields, and broad regional suitability, helping the variety remain a common choice among consumers and retailers. The dual existence of Hitomebore as both a romantic expression and a rice cultivar reflects its cultural resonance in Japan.