HOKKAIDO In the coming weeks, Singapore will be hearing a lot about scallops from here, seeing them on restaurant menus and, possibly, buying them to cook at home. Japan is mounting something of a charm offensive, showcasing big, plump and velvety hotate from its northernmost island. The government-related Japan External Trade Organisation, which promotes trade and investment, has brought.
Pair of premium Yubari melons fetches $24,800 at Hokkaido annual auction
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A man shows a pair of Yubari Melons which fetched 2.7 million yen ($ 24,800) during the season s first auction at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture on May 24, 2021.(Photo/Agencies)
The first bid for Yubari Melon has been a celebration market every year. In 2019, two melons were auctioned for 5 million yen (about $46,300), the highest bid. But last year the price dropped to 120,000 yen (about $1,111) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A pair of Yubari Melons fetches 2.7 million yen ($ 24,800) during the season s first auction at Sapporo Central Wholesale Market in Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture on May 24, 2021.(Photo/Agencies)
"We want to cheer up people with the Yubari melons at a time when hardships from the pandemic are continuing," said the president of the company that bought them.