Wow, Two Hokkaido Melons Sell for Almost IDR1 Billion in Japan

JAKARTA - Two premium melons from Hokkaido, Japan, sold for 5.8 million yen or about US$36,500 in the first auction of the season, Friday. Assuming a rate of around Rp162 per yen, the price of 5.8 million yen is equivalent to around Rp940 million. The price broke the previous record, 5 million yen in 2019.

According to a Kyodo News report quoted on Friday, May 22, the expensive melon is the Yubari melon, a specialty of Yubari City in Hokkaido. This fruit is known for its orange, juicy, and sweet flesh. In Japan, Yubari melons are often sent as gifts.

This year's auction winner is Futami Seika Co., a fruit and vegetable wholesaler based in Kushiro. The melon was then sold to Keio Store Co. and will be displayed at one of its supermarkets in Tokyo until Sunday.

"I hope people in Tokyo will enjoy this Hokkaido melon," said Futami Seika's Head of Sales, Hirokazu Okubo, who took part in the offer at the Sapporo wholesale market.

According to the Yubari agricultural cooperative, local farmers are targeting 3,086 tons of melons this year. The value is estimated at 2.12 billion yen. The peak of the harvest is expected to occur in June and July.

The first auction of premium fruit in Japan often produces very high prices. Buyers usually use the auction victory for promotional purposes.