The primary food staple in Japan is rice. Rice has played a central role in Japanese cuisine and culture for centuries, serving not only as a staple food but also as an essential part of various dishes and rituals. Best known is "shush," or vinegared rice, which is used in sushi making, along with being a side dish served with almost every meal. The cultivation of rice in Japan is deeply intertwined with its agricultural practices and social traditions. Japanese society often celebrates rice through festivals and it remains a symbol of life and sustenance.