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A single pair of premium Yubari melons fetched a record 3 million yen at the season's first auction in Sapporo on Thursday.
The winning bid was placed by the buyer for a supermarket in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, Fuji TV reported. The price was double last year's.
High prices are the norm for the opening auction of the season and reflect buyers' desire for prestige. Yubari melons are considered a status symbol in Japan with many being bought as a gift for friends and colleagues.
The best-quality Yubari melons are perfect spheres with a smooth, evenly patterned rind. A T-shaped stalk is left on the fruit, which is usually sold in an ornate box.
© Japan Today/AFP
13 Comments
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wildwest
I like the way Japan and some other countries do this to reward and give recognition to the farmers and growers for their hard work and attention. Growing things is a risky game fraught with chance and the unexpected. The skill and knowlage requried should never be taken for granted, its not just that seed in the cup experiment we do in elementary school.
kurisupisu
Some people have much more money than sense.....
Brian Wheway
In the Uk thats about £3000 thats insane for two mellon, I know its his/hers money but I would rather give that amount of money to a soup kitchen or hostel to help loads of people, rather than just one person.
bullfighter
You must live in a very up market neighborhood. In my patch a single large apple is in the range of 100-140 yen.
Mike L
Think of all the beer and red wine you could buy with that amount of money.
Asakura Cowboy
You're twisting my melon man.
nath
Only in Japan...
bogva
So when you give this kind of present you leave the price tag ! I hope the box was really good one !
Danny Bloom
This is yarase pr. He did not pay that kind of money. Don't fall for this annual auction yarase
buchailldana
ah the stupidity of japanese fruit prices!I needed an apple for a recipe the other day.300 yen for one apple!!thank god I didnt need a melon
Yukiii
Unbelievable!!!! Too expensive....
We may find out almost similar taste Yubari melons with cheaper price at city-super, maybe.
I really hope.