Takano Fruits Travelogue
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japanese "omotenashi" fruits
Japanese have
always looked at
nature as
something divine.
Why do Japanese fruits provide a joyful spirit?
Japanese fruits are considered a treasure, a symbol of appreciation and hospitality when it passes from producer to customer.
Japanese Hospitality Cultivated Fruits
Farmers cultivating produce who follow the culture of hospitality.
Okinawa Mango
The mangoes are allowed to reach peak ripeness at the top of the tree, becoming as red as a ruby and with a sweet juice that spreads full in the mouth. The soft and delicate ripe mango is said to be among the world’s top three fruits . . .
This is the perfect place to grow mangoes. After all, the soil is good, there is plenty of clean water, it is blessed with comfortable sea breezes, and yet because it is located in a basin, it isn’t hit by the winds of typhoons.
In the end, all sorts of methods are used to grow these delicious mangoes.
I don’t believe people have an image of Japan as a place that grows tropical mango fruit . . .
Yamanashi Peaches
The Kofu Basin, which has both the widest cultivation area and the largest production volume for peaches in Japan, is filled with peach blossoms in early April, giving us a taste of the utopia in the old Chinese fable, the Tale of the Peach Blossom Spring.
It seems there was once a volcano in this area.
As a result of a volcanic eruption deep in the mountains, the main body of the land in this region is composed of red soil and clay that apparently includes a lot of phosphoric acid and potassium.
I’ve heard from a specialist that because of this the flavor of peaches grown here is better than that of other places.
And that’s why I can sell them with confidence.
And, thanks to that, many foreigners, mostly from Asia, come to visit.
I want those people to enjoy the scenery here.
In particular, when the peach blossoms are blooming it is very beautiful.
And if the weather is nice, beautiful Mt. Fuji can also be seen.
I’d like to let travelers know that its possible to take pictures that include both peach blossoms and Mt.Fuji together, and that they can come into the orchards and take pictures from there.
I would very much like for people to feel the beauty of Japanese peaches and this landscape.
I’d love for people to come to Japan and taste Japanese fruit.
The fruit that we make in Japan is beautiful to look at, and above all delicious . . . if possible I’d like it if more people from overseas could eat peaches from Yamanashi.
Crown Melon
Musk melons are considered the "king" of fruits. The label "crown melon" is only given to the most exquisite musk melons produced. A label is placed on each of them, meaning they have cleared strict examinations. The melons are exposed to long daylight in the western part of Shizuoka prefecture's Fukuroi city. They have been carefully harvested to produce an elegant sweetness that is fresh and smooth.
“Cultivating the Crown melon is not easy. It takes 100 days from seed to fruit. The temperature and humidity have to be monitored around the clock. The right amount of water must be given. When it comes time to pick the fruit a careful examination is made in order to pass strict standards, before they are boxed and shipped. The fruit is high quality and I believe it is popular around the world because we have put so much care into growing them. They are not inexpensive, so we want to make sure people who eat them feel the melons are worth it. We intend to continue putting our love and effort into harvesting them, so that we can keep producing and sending these beautiful melons.”
Arida Mandarin Orange
The Arida Mandarin Orange has a 450-year history. They are grown on terraced fields facing south, receiving plenty of sunlight. Due to this they are meaty and sweet with just the right acidity. They are picked when they are fully ripe to ensure sweetness.
"The originality of the Arida Mandarin Orange is how they are pruned and what type of fertilizers are involved. Bonito flakes are used along with amino acid sprayed on leaves to give the fruits a full flavor. Seedlings are also important. Biotechnology is used in order to sterilize any viruses. All member orange growers maintain high standards by conducting research workshops together throughout the year. Our objective is simply to provide the best tasting products for our customers. I believe our products are second to none. The oranges are not only sweet, but delicious, leaving a strong impression.”
Beni-Hoppe
Red Cheeks Strawberry
It is a registered variety of strawberry from Shizuoka prefecture. The brand name comes from the strawberries being so delicious that one’s “cheeks fall". It is not only sweet and acidic, but has a richness making the taste exquisite. The slightly firm texture also makes it desirable.
"My grandfather started producing them. So, I am the third generation. It is an honor to be a producer and I do my best not to damage the household name. At various times the strawberries were more red or white and didn't have consistency. Today a committee has strict standards, so the quality has gone up exponentially. We even use a QR code, so not any farmer can ship the product using the name.
The biggest attraction to the ‘Beni hoppe’ or red cheeks strawberry is the texture. It is completely different from strawberries from abroad and many foreigners may be surprised when they eat if for the first time. Japanese strawberries are sweet
Scenery for growing fruit trees
Yamanashi, Yamanashi Prefecture
Arida, Wakayama Prefecture
Izunokuni, Shizuoka Prefecture
Ogimi, Okinawa Prefecture
Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture