If you’ve ever tasted premium Japanese rice, you know there’s much more to the beloved starch than one or two scoops. In fact, in Japan, “professional rice advisers” can elaborate on everything from cultivation to optimal cooking. One such expert, Kiyoaki Nagasaka, will share his knowledge this weekend.

Nagasaka, current owner of the 90-year-old Ankome Ando Kome rice shop in Shizuoka, is particularly versed in cooking techniques. He will bring with him a kiln for cooking rice, and his focus will be on preparing Kamiakari rice, a variety that has three times more rice germ than other varieties, making it highly nutritious. The brown rice is such a big deal that only four farmers in all of Japan are authorized to grow it, making it ultra rare.

Nagasaka will present samples of kiln-cooked Kamiakari, plus another variety, Yumepirika, at the FarmLovers Farmers Market’s Saturday at Ward Warehouse, starting at 8:45 a.m. until the limited supply runs out.

He shares more samples from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at The Rice Factory, 955 Kawaiahao St. On Sunday, he returns to the store from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers will be limited to 1-pound purchases of Kamiakari. Call 800-1520.

— Joleen Oshiro, Star-Advertiser

Japanese market opens in Waikiki

At the new Mitsuwa Markeplace you can get Wagyu rib-eye, thin-sliced for shabu shabu — for $99.99 per pound. Or you can pour yourself a bowl of miso soup for $1.49 and dress it with a choice of toppings.

Spam musubi comes in a basic version, or variations all the way up to a Spam-eel-egg-avocado masterpiece for $4.98.

The humble and the high-end merge at Mitsuwa, which opened Monday, the newest addition to Waikiki’s International Market Place.

Mitsuwa is an American chain founded in 1988 to carry Japanese goods, from groceries to cosmetics to small appliances. Waikiki’s is the 11th in the chain.

What you’ll find there: bentos, fresh produce, a wide selection of sake and shochu, baked goods, a range of sundry items and even some over-the-counter medications. A small food court offers ramen and green tea soft-serve ice cream.

Spokeswoman Masami Iwase-Watanabe said the store uses rice imported from Japan, which is much better than California rice for premade bentos. “When it’s cold you can tell the difference.”

A number of local items are also in stock, including Hawaii coffees and baked goods made with poi.

Mitsuwa is on the second floor of the market place, near Saks Fifth Avenue. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

— Betty Shimabukuro, Star-Advertiser