The YouTube channel “Hokkaido Oishii Channel” (Lit. Tasty Hokkaido Channel) was started by Hokkaido Loco (operated by Loco Farm Village Co., Ltd.) this year to allow people to enjoy Hokkaido even when they’re unable to visit directly. The channel has been featuring carefully selected seasonal products and trendy foods since July. And this is where the Hello Kitty melon found its spotlight.

Much like the rest of the world, Hokkaido is starting to see some long-term effects of the coronavirus on the economy. Of course, the number of tourists has fallen dramatically, which means there has been a severe drop in sales. Although there are measures to stimulate recovery, such as the “douminwari”, a travel subsidy given to Hokkaido residents, things are moving somewhat slowly.

So, to support those who want to travel to Hokkaido but can’t right now, and equally to support producers who are feeling the brunt of the dip, the Hokkaido Oishii Channel was started. Hopefully this will get people interested in Hokkaido’s local delicacies once more!

The channel intends to create a new video once every two weeks.

The first episode on the channel was about the “King Ruby” melon. It’s called the King Ruby because it has the highest level of sweetness, and an incredible texture, worthy of a King! This is known as a “Phantom Melon” (Maboroshi no Melon) in Japan, because so few people produce these delicious fruits.

The store manager of Hokkaido Loco (the shop producing the channel), headed out to Yoshida Farm to meet the guy who created one of their best-selling products. This particular melon is known for its high sugar content (over 15 degrees Brix!), which makes it perfect for a summery dessert or even as a nice Hokkaido gift.

The melons are so popular, Hokkaido Loco sells around 50,000 each year!

Yoshida Farm is located in the Yamabe area of Furano City, Hokkaido. The temperature difference between day and night gets as high as 20 degrees or more, making it an ideal environment for growing well-drained melons. However, in general it is very difficult to grow the King Ruby type, which is more susceptible to temperature changes. So there are not many people producing it these days. For 40 years, Yoshida Farm and Yukio Yoshida have been producing melons with extraordinary attention and pride in the production of their King Ruby melons.

And, what you've all been waiting for...

The insane Hello Kitty Melon!

The melon with the adorable Hello Kitty design sells at a premium of 7,020 yen. It's a bit steep, but you are truly eating like royalty with this painstakingly crafted design!

And now, Japan residents can even order the King Ruby online.

Product Information
・Product name: Furano-shi, Hokkaido Yoshida Farm, Furano Melon King Ruby
・Japanese name: 北海道富良野市 吉田農園 ふらのメロンキングルビー
・Price: 1 whole melon / 3,780 yen. 2 melons / 5,940 yen (tax included, free shipping)

・Product name: Furano City, Hokkaido Yoshida Farm, Hello Kitty (Complete with Furano Melon King Ruby Hello Kitty cosmetic box)
・Japanese name: 北海道富良野市 吉田農園 ハローキティ
・Price: 1 whole Hello Kitty melon 7,020 yen (tax included, free shipping)

Source: @Press