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Japan’s Insane Hello Kitty ‘Phantom Melon’

Japan’s Insane Hello Kitty ‘Phantom Melon’

Last updated: 15 October 2020

Japan has created a bit of a name for itself for having luxury fruit, and Hokkaido melon is one such fruit. Yubari Melon and King Melon are known far and wide for their high quality, but have you ever seen a... High quality Hello Kitty melon?!

Hokkaido Loco’s "Hokkaido Oishii Channel"
Hokkaido Loco’s "Hokkaido Oishii Channel"

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.

A bit about the Hokkaido Oishii Channel

A bit about the Hokkaido Oishii Channel

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.

Hokkaido’s famous Phantom Melon, and a Hello Kitty appearance?!

Yukio Yoshida, producer of the famous “King Ruby” melon
Yukio Yoshida, producer of the famous “King Ruby” melon

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.

It is best to put it in the refrigerator and eat it after it softens - but you can keep it at room temp for 1 week!
It is best to put it in the refrigerator and eat it after it softens - but you can keep it at room temp for 1 week!

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" that produces the phantom melon "King Ruby"
"Yoshida Farm" that produces the phantom melon "King Ruby"

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

  • Hokkaido Loco Farm Village
    北海道ロコファームビレッジ
    • Address 3-7-6 Omagaricho-cho, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido 061-1278
    • Phone Number 0120-377-247
    • Hokkaido Loco Farm Village is a "food theme park" in Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, where you can find delicious food from all over Hokkaido.

      Business hours: 10:00~20:00
      Official site: http://www.hokkaido-loco.com/

Written by:
Cassandra Lord
Cassandra Lord

Cassandra Lord is a British journalist specialising in food, travel, and culture, and has been in Japan for five years after studying Japanese at Edinburgh University for four. With a year of experience as co-editor for LIVE JAPAN, Cassandra has since transitioned to freelance writing, contributing to a variety of platforms including The Japan Times and Tokyo Weekender. During her time in Japan she has visited 25 prefectures, with a goal to eventually visit all 47. She also manages her own YouTube channel, "Cassandra Lord", which is dedicated to all things related to Japanese culinary culture. She also works as a translator and photographer.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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