I live in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, home to what is arguably the best rice in the world. After the harvest, the rice is brown and though the inedible outer hull is removed, the bran layer remains.

A chart showing polished rice at different gradations.

For those who wish to eat white rice, or any gradation in between white and brown, less "raw" than the brown rice ("genmai") straight from the farm, automated rice polishing machines exist all over Japan for the convenience of the average consumer.

Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan.