Sweet Start to Season as Five Melons Fetch 300,000 Yen

SAPPORO, May 13 (News On Japan) - A prized early-season melon from Hokkaido's Iburi region fetched 300,000 yen for five pieces at the season's first auction held on the morning of May 13th in Sapporo.

The "Oiwake Asahimelon," grown in the town of Abira, is known for being the earliest melon to be harvested in Hokkaido and boasts a high sugar content of 14 degrees or more. A single case containing five of these melons reached a peak price of 300,000 yen at the first auction.

Although the winning bid was 100,000 yen lower than in 2024, growers say the flavor remains superb and the quality has not declined.

"We struggled a bit due to unstable weather in the first half of the season, but the melons turned out excellent both inside and out," said Yasui Takashi, head of the Oiwake Asahimelon Cooperative.

The melons sold at the highest price are expected to be available at a supermarket in Chuo Ward, Sapporo.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

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