History of Muskmelon in Japan

Are you a lover of fruit?

If so, you must experience the mouthwatering deliciousness of the muskmelon, known in Japan as the king of fruit. Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture is well-known for producing high-quality muskmelon and is home to Japan's major muskmelon producers. Japanese muskmelon is distinct from other melon varieties such as Cantaloupe or Honeydew due to it’s inviting scent and spherical shape.

Learn to enjoy its beautiful form, musky fragrance, juiciness, full flavor, and smoothness on the tongue. In 1925, during the Taisho period (1912–26), Japan imported the Earl-Feboritto (Earl's Favorite) melon from the United Kingdom and crossbred it to create new varieties. Learning from the many trials and errors of their predecessors, Japanese farmers developed what would become today's muskmelon. Greenhouse cultivation of these melons began in Enshu (present-day Hamamatsu City), Shizuoka Prefecture.

Muskmelon has been presented to the Japanese imperial family, the princess of Thailand, and Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom, receiving words of high praise from royalty across the globe.