The year after it was developed, the new breed of rice was presented to Emperor Hirohito as a tribute and was given its official name, Yoshino No. 1. Two hectares of rice fields at the back of Taohsing Primary School, in Chian, were then designated for the exclusive production of the rice. The field was looked after by a group of agricultural researchers and specialists and was guarded closely by local township officials. One of their major duties was to scare birds away from the field.
Peng told this reporter a story which he said he had never told anyone before. He said when the rice was harvested, Japanese officials would pick a dozen or so local young Japanese girls to pick and package the rice. These young girls were required to take a bath and change into new clothes prior to performing their duties, as a token of their respect for the emperor. They would peel off the husks on the rice, by hand, one by one. No Taiwanese girls were chosen for the job, perhaps because of security concerns.
A traditional Japanese ceremony would be held to bless the rice and to plead for special blessings from the emperor. The handpicked 10kg or so of Yoshino No. 1 rice was then shipped from Hualien to its final destination -- the Emperor's Palace in Tokyo. Whatever was left over was then presented to the Japanese Colonial Governor's Palace in Taipei.
According to Kang Mu-shu (
Now, more farmers in Hualien are eager to plant the rice because demand is steadily increasing, and since it can only be produced in Chian, its selling price is much higher than other varieties. Normally, 60kg of rice sells for about NT$1,000. Yoshino No. 1 sells for nearly double that.
Without Peng's dedicated efforts Yoshino No. 1 could have vanished into history for good. Not only has Peng brought fame and trade to his hometown, he has also saved a part of Taiwan's cultural heritage.
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