What is Japonica rice and where is it grown?

Japonica is a group of rice varieties from northern and eastern China grown extensively in some areas of the world. It is found in the cooler zones of the subtropics and in the temperate zones. The kernel is two to three times longer than it is wide. It is a relatively short plant with narrow, dark green leaves and medium-height tillers. Japonica grains are short and round, do not shatter easily, and have low amylose content, making it moist and sticky when cooked.