Rice and the Japanese people

Before the advent of soap, the Japanese would use wash cloths filled with rice bran (a by-product of rice milling) to wash themselves, or they would soak in rice bran-infused baths. Long ago, they say that visitors to Japan were astonished by the silken beauty of the Japanese people’s skin. Rice, so essential to the Japanese diet, also beholds a mysterious power to beautify the skin.
Rice is precious: Every single grain is said to house seven gods.For millennia, the Japanese people have been taught to cook and eat rice, the wellspring of life, with respect bordering on veneration.Today, rice is still the Japanese soul food; and drawing on the wonders of modern bioscience, rice can be a powerful source to nourish beautiful skin.
It is this rice that gives the RICE FORCE skin care the breath of life.

Development

“Prevention” is the mantra of Eastern medicine. The Eastern medicine concept is to stay healthy on a day-to-day basis, rather than having to cope with illness when it strikes. The same concept applies to skin care: avoid skin damage with proper preventive care. The goal is anti-aging, and to maintain trouble-free, beautiful skin.
Western bioscience genetically engineers microorganisms to create ingredients with new properties. In contrast, the Eastern approach is to work with microorganisms in their natural state to create new ingredients.
We at RICE FORCE believe that products applied directly to the skin ought to be as close to Mother Nature as possible. Our Research & Development Team followed Eastern bioscience techniques that lead us to uncover the astonishing powers hidden in rice.

Mission

Harnessing the power of Japanese technology to bring beauty and health to people around the world

I often tell people that I want to be fair.

I’ve heard business people say that ideals don’t sell products. But still, I want to be fair. To be beautiful as a person.

When the 9/11 terrorist attacks happened in 2001, I was in New York at an exhibition of our newly developed skincare brand RICE FORCE. My view on life took a 180-degree turn after 9/11 and its aftermath.

It made me want to make something that was useful to society. Something that would bring people happiness.

So I decided to harness the power of Japan’s unique materials, manufacturing technology and service capabilities to craft products with integrity, and to bring products to people that would make them smile. Bringing happiness and inspiration—that is our goal, today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Sustainability

Im is headquartered in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture.
We are closely involved with the local community, participating in activities such as rice production and event sponsorship.

Watch the movie

Taking on the Challenge of the “Sixth” Industrialization

Agriculture (production of rice as a raw material) x Processing (cosmetics manufacturing) x Distribution sales (mail order). To protect Japan’s rice culture and expand the possibilities of agriculture, Im is taking on the challenge of realizing the “sixth” industrialization. We are working hand in hand with the local community to utilize specially cultivated rice as a cosmetic ingredient. Im’s Rice Field Project was launched in 2019 with the idea of spreading Japan’s rice culture to the rest of the world. From planting to harvesting, Im employees participate in all aspects of the cultivation of Oidemai rice specially grown in Kagawa Prefecture. This is Im’s attempt to be a part of the entire cycle, from producing rice, the main ingredient of RICE FORCE, to obtaining the rice extract from the harvested rice and blending it into Im’s products.

Im’s Rice Field Project was launched in 2019 with the idea of spreading Japan’s rice culture to the rest of the world. From planting to harvesting, Im employees participate in all aspects of the cultivation of Oidemai rice specially grown in Kagawa Prefecture. This is Im’s attempt to be a part of the entire cycle, from producing rice, the main ingredient of RICE FORCE, to obtaining the rice extract from the harvested rice and blending it into Im’s products.

History