How Japanese Melons become Luxury Fruits | Yubari King Melon Story ★ ONLY in JAPAN

The World's Most Expensive Melon can be found right here in Yubari, Hokkaido and in the episode, I'm going to take you from the seeds to pollination then to harvest and first auction where a pair of Yubari King Melons sold for ¥5,000,000 ($46,500) in 2019. How much will it go for this year -- but more importantly, WHY? Why do these melons, Japanese luxury fruit in general, fetch such high prices? We will go to the auction and ask the winner of the highest bid in the ultimate FARM to TABLE Series Adventure.
00:00 Start
01:22 Where do Yubari Melons grow?
01:47 Melon Pollination with Bees
02:42 Yubari Melon Seeds
03:10 Melon Seedlings
04:06 Melon Harvest
06:33 Sorting Sizes
07:20 Judging Melons for Harvest
08:08 Cutting & Eating Yubari Melons
10:06 Why Japanese Buy Expensive Melons
11:07 Yubari Melon Quality Rank
12:00 Facts about Yubari "Cantelope" Melons
13:16 Yubari Melon Auction Prices: History
13:58 Yubari Melon Auction bidding
15:07 Why he bid $26,500 for Melons
16:27 What happened to the $26,500 Melons?
16:47 All-you-can-eat Melons!
17:03 How the JA Melon Co-op works
17:34 Angry Melon Bear Attack
18:26 Yubari Melon Ice Cream
Special thanks to JA Yubari, Yubari City, Yubari Melon Producers Goto-san and Kobayashi-san for the kind help and many many delicious melons for this episode.
Where is Yubari? goo.gl/maps/Ycek2yWZwQPn1bWYA (Melon Dome)
Melon Kuma's House: goo.gl/maps/dn1ebnJ8TocxNkbE7
The Yubari King Melons are often confused with the Shizuoka Crown Melons. They're not the same and I hope this episode will correct many mistakes, misconceptions about this industry.
◉ Media Inquiries & Questions: Please contact me through onlyinjapan.tv​ ONLY in JAPAN ® is a registered trademark - All rights reserved.
John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and KZbin creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan​ #hokkaido #japanesefood

[@Yo_DynamoJoe]

Man John this one hit different than the last few episodes. The passion for the subject and the quality script took me back to the old episodes on the "Channel That Shall Not Be Named." This episode has it all: drone footage, food beauty shots, info graphics, and that unexpected bit of humor there at the end was a nice punctuation mark. Thanks for your hard work!

[@mccribb]

Haha, this is an awesome endorsement, Joe!

[@czarodzi9967]

I admire the attention to detail - the farmers make an art of every step in trending the plants and growing the melons. 😋🍈

[@kytk7245]

Johnさん、いつも日本を紹介してくれてありがとうございます。😃

[@UFOBobTV]

Fascinating story! For decades I thought spending $200 or more for a melon was ridiculous and outlandish, but I have since come to understand why it makes sense. Now I would gladly spend that kind of money and give one of these melons as a gift.

[@LaNoir.]

It actually does not make sense, but that's capitalism. Humans put a price tag on something and it will define it's worth. There's no reasoon why a melon should cost 200x more than a similar easy-to-grow fruit. I also think that vegetables and fruit should be affordable for everyone due to their health benefits. But it is nice to see farmers get the actual appreciation they deserve instead of fighting for survival every harvest.

[@DolezalPetr]

No you would not

[@georgemulford2910]

@@LaNoir. somethings worth is determined by what someone will pay for it not the price put on it.

[@hurricaneb6243]

@@LaNoir. it's just a difference of perspective. At the end of the day, no one gets to eat this kind of melon if no produces it. Why produce such a labor intensive and limited product, with no monetary insentive? Some people like to drive 1 to 100 a little faster in a a shiny new car. Some people like a better melon. What's a few thousand dollars for rich people? Not my problem.

[@cameraduong9886]

Really,that good to you ,I'm not gonna pay even 40 Dollar

[@Bludgeoned2DEATH2]

Oh yeah nothing like an old school Only in Japan adventure! I just LOVE Hokkaido, I hope one day to visit if the Japanese government opens up for foreigners!

[@sanashi27]

I've seen this melon shown or referenced in a lot of anime and manga so I already knew it's expensive but now I know why. It's amazing how much hard work they put into growing the melons and it's also awesome that people there appreciate all that hard work. I wish I could taste some someday but they cost a lot haha. Melonkuma is cute! Maybe head-biting is how they show friendship lol.

[@onlyinjapan]

I wonder if he has any brothers of sisters?

[@Buenosdiiaz]

Those melons have my mouth watering 🤤 Hokkaido has so many gems that I can’t wait to explore. Thank you for the passion and knowledge you spread throughout your channels John

[@heroino89]

I really enjoyed the episode and thought "As always, delightful and informative". Then I saw MELONKUMA and I knew why I love this channel. Great video as always John!

[@MECH-MASTER]

I just had a melon for $2.99 from my local market. It was very sweet and delicious, I would like to try one of these Yubari King Melons one day. The Japanese people are incredible at creating markets. 👍

[@christopherleubner6633]

Like very sweet fragernt musk melons.❤

[@SilkyC]

I will always appreciate you John giving us these education videos. Learning about these melons and the time, work, love and dedication these farmers put into growing and harvesting these melons!!!!

[@uoftotaku7]

The one thing that really warmed me is seeing Goto-san's kids getting involved and enjoying themselves. In a country with such a terrible problem with falling birth rates and farm communities dying off, it's good to see that Goto-san has a next generation to continue his good work and keep us supplied with delicious Yubari melons

[@onlyinjapan]

I think it’s one of the best feelings when your kids are interested in what you do. I wonder if Leo will want to be a youtuber too?

[@muhammadfirdaus634]

John as always never disappoints. U know those Yubari melons are the best of the best when John puts a smile on his face. Thanks for sharing John. Only in Japan is the best. Period!! 👍👍

[@derrickheng564]

ha ha ha so cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sitting on an upside down bucket eating Yubari lol.

[@rainerlovesjapan9468]

Well done John👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. I dont usually eat fruits at all. You can ask Mum bout that. But I will definitely try these special Melons. If I were with you and Peter in Hokkaido eating melons I would have eaten them with fork and knives😜. Not being messy lol. Melonkuma haha, hes scaring all kids at the shop. Saw it on his instagram.

[@cjlindallas7749]

I don't eat cantaloupe but those look special! Crazy the effort and care they put into what they produce. Great video John! 👍🏾

[@bushidobronx]

Wow! I'm not a big melon fan, but you video made my mouth water watching you partake of those juicy fruits! You've added another item to my Japan bucket list!

[@onlyinjapan]

I don’t eat it often either, but wow - after 24 years in Japan, I’m a fan. Will try to return for more melon next season.

[@Pebbles2639]

Cantaloupe is my fave! I hope I can try the King of this melon one day! Going to have to make a point to go to that all you can eat place one day! Alot of work goes into these melons for sure! Awesome story!

[@onlyinjapan]

Cantelope Melon 🍈 that is 😂 it’s sooooo darn good 😋 that all you can eat place … still drooling and looking forward to 2023 melon season!

[@christinep5524]

Oh my gosh. Your screams at the end were HILARIOUS!

[@Pies_inquietos_tv]

I love Melonkuma

[@onlyinjapan]

Me too, the bear is ferocious and lovable 🐻 🍈

[@thomasl7817]

I love the smell of cantaloupe. Reminds me of breakfast time at my grandma's as a child.. smell of cantaloupe and coffee filled the house. So pleasant and comforting, unfortunately I never liked the taste but maybe one of these would be worth the try. Top notch video, John!

[@NDDJayasinghe]

Great to see you again with old content ♥️

[@MGSBESTProductions]

Cantaloupe has been growing since ancient times in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. It likely first originated in the Middle East or India, but ancient Egyptians and Romans are known to have grown the melon. Cantaloupe was introduced to Europe in the 15th century and became a popular fruit due to its sweetness.

[@littlsuprstr]

I'm utterly intrigued by these melons now.

[@guillermocastillo7202]

Pretty nice video, interesting and entertaining 👏

[@justjen139]

Loved this episode. The weather looked very comfortable, and it was very fascinating. Thank you, John. This was great.

[@Unan1mouz]

That Melonkuma is just CRAZY! 🤣🤣 lol

[@Gaara11990]

I was very much looking forward to this documentary and the Melonkuma bit toward the end had me rolling. Thanks for the insight.

[@christang9406]

I really want to Taste how good those Melons are...

[@MeanLaQueefa]

Love all your episodes, the time, passion, and detail you put into this channel. Really Top Tier production John. 👍

[@katezielinski1288]

Incredible story! Thank you for sharing John!

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Wonderful! Thank you for sharing it. ✌️

[@Lazaruz]

Always brightens the day when John uploads. Thank you!

[@XShadowPrincessXx]

Wow it’s incredible to see how much goes into growing these melons. It’s not just another typical thing to grow but a fruit to be proud of from their home. Amazing documentary John!

[@Aiken47]

Thanks John, i love behind the scenes videos, the deeper documentary style let’s us see and learn more about things we may never see in person. I find people that criticise likely haven’t tried growing their own produce let alone at this level of quality and dedication.

[@ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttl]

The quality of your videos are unreal. You deserve so many more subscribers. Thank you for being one of my favorite creators since I've found you. Take care of yourself John!

[@farismirrazakamar1303]

Wonderful episode, can't wait for some more 👍👍👍

[@astroboy3507]

Was worth the wait John fantastic!!! 🍈👌🏻 What a price gap between Excellent and outstanding!!!! 😯 I never knew that!!! Was good to hear that ONLY IN JAPAN!!!! AGAIN!!! 👍🏻 P.s was good u also gave praise to the bees too!!! As I love my honey!! 😬

[@ashutosh821991]

Great video John. As always.....great work on the information and the visuals.......melons were mouthwatering...delicious. Keep it up.

[@Grimsy_Max]

Awesome video and so informative … you gotta pay for perfection! Thanks for walking us thru the entire process

[@seandavie3672]

Great video again John. I appreciate the travel and work that goes into this series. 👍👍

[@voneychiu2828]

Aah .. the appreciations brought tears to my eyes ... From the fruit baron buying the prized melons to treat people to the auction money divided among the farmers ... It's a sweet community ...

[@roxys744]

Wow, they actually respect the farmers who supply the food for their countrymen! I love my country, but we can take a few lessons on respect and appreciation for farmers!

[@christopherleubner6633]

Got ahold of seeds for these and grew them a year ago. They grow similar to musk melons. Grow especially well on rich compost soil mixture. Add trichoderma mold to the soil to prevent white fungus rot. Prune to 2 to 6 melons per vine, less equals bigger fruit. Harvest just as the fruit starts to have a yellow cast to it for best flavor. The juicy pulp around the seeds makes an awsome yeast or mushroom culture starter. The meat is similar to a very fragrent musk melon with the soft creamy texture of cantalope. ❤

[@GeckoOnTheWall]

Loved this episode John! I literally tasted that melon when you ate it 😋 I see Melonkuma still has a taste for your head!

[@randomVideozzzzz]

Loved the Documentory😍😍

[@FoodLoaf]

Great Video John. Was very happy when I saw that there is a new one 🥳. Keep up with the great work.

[@jje12345]

Love all your videos john! Thanks for the great works

[@michaelsasano8622]

I've been waiting for this! Awesome story and beautifully edited! I love melons...but not as much as I love OIJ! Hokkaido here we come!

[@kefumna]

Really enjoyed watching and learnt a lot. Thank you John for the high quality video ✨

[@movation]

Super Impressed with this amazing video..5/5

[@cityhunterpython]

What a nice pair of...

[@suzz1776]

I love cantaloupe melons. They go for like 2$ where I live. I don't care how good one is though, I would never spend more then 5$ for one unless it is filled with gold. Lol

[@onlyinjapan]

Don’t care how good … that’s the issue. It’s that good. $40 for one in your life is called staying curious and discovering new things. It’s so freaking much better than those $2 ones. I ate those, that’s why I didn’t eat melons here, until this year.

[@arthurgerard7858]

Been waiting for your new post! Finally. Haha great work

[@AnJellyCue]

What a great story, Thanks for bringing it to us

[@RonSayss]

so well done , thank you

[@jason_from_canada]

Thanks for showing the process of how these prized melons go from seed to harvest. The melon logo on the boxes reminded me of the Olympic rings. John, your melon eating technique is very efficient, Peter didn't stand a chance against you Lol😂 Enjoyed this! 👍🍈

[@kezbot2]

The attention to detail is highly commendable, ensuring the best of the best. I'll have a melon ice cream thanks! 🍈🍦

[@jason_from_canada]

@@kezbot2 Make that two Kez! 🍈🍦🍦🍈😁

[@kezbot2]

@@jason_from_canada yummo!😁😋🍈🍈🍦🍦

[@jason_from_canada]

@@kezbot2 😋🍈🍈🍦🍦

[@onlyinjapan]

Haha! The Hokkaido Documentary scene will ahem, expand in this and perhaps have a bit of ASMR, for Peter’s pleasure.

[@ashsasaki]

Another great video. Good job there John, loved it!

[@dopefreshbrah5851]

ahhhh, this is one of the most wholesome channels. thank you for your content! please never stop

[@KSPRAYDAD]

🍈Yay a new edited video. Feels like we see the bits and parts come together through the GO channel but there are always sweet exclusives in the final show :). Hey...even Peter snuck in there haha. Thanks for the wonderful video John. Someone asked a good question earlier...do they use the discarded 80% for anything other than compost? Perhaps pickling or jams or animal feed?

[@dbl0fluff]

Love this video! Nice to see how the farmers get rewarded for their care of the melons.

[@samrutster]

Fabulous episode!! Makes me want to go to this area of Japan really badly!! Good job John!!

[@simoncraig4052]

Another excellent researched and edited episode John👍

[@creativecooktravely886]

Wonderful experience to see

[@shahjehanghouri6270]

Finally after long time we received notification of beautiful episode 😍 really excited 😊 🤗

[@shivani9581]

Excellent video!! I loved every second of it. Thank you so much for putting in all the effort you do. It definitely shows.

[@yilunyou7391]

Man we need more frequent quality uploads! Keep up the good work!

[@Jonathan_Chong]

excellent put together video John great edit on the melons and this video had a feel and reminded me of some of the older videos of the past awesome work (you ve really got the touch on those melons and it shows through your work)

[@paulccrimmins]

Aloha 🤙 from Honolulu! Thanks John! Very entertaining video!

[@Fluffymonkeyem]

Wow those look so pretty! I love cantaloupe, when it's ripe and flavorful it can outdo watermelon by a mile. I loved seeing them growing on the vine! One day I want to try these ones, that are so special.

[@anndebaldo7381]

WOW! Those melons look delicious! YUM! The dedication of those farmers and generosity of the company is amazing. I feel inspired to eat a piece of melon today although sadly, it won't be a Yubari melon...perhaps one day!

[@BeefyKeithy]

Can't wait for your next video!

[@onlyinjapan]

It’s uploading now!

[@Jko0922]

Sugoi! Excellent & extremely informative! The melons are beautiful and so juicy-a true delicacy. Would love to try one day. 😋💞

[@marynamurray9385]

Such an interesting story and thanks for sharing this with us John! Now for a sweet, big slice of melon with Ice-cream!

[@mattmino9]

Really great!

[@shannondore]

Great episode John. I love cantaloupe but those prices... wow!🍈😲

[@Paintplayer1]

Another excellent video! Of course I want to try the melons themselves, but that soft serve ice cream really caught my attention too

[@TLavery707]

So many innuendos so little time. Thanks again John for an amazing video! It is good to see the passion of the farmers and their reward when their product goes to auction.

[@onlyinjapan]

Thanks Tyler!

[@KSPRAYDAD]

Great video John.

[@TrainFreakCow12]

goood jon john very postive

[@marcusosborne3503]

Wow such an awesome story!! I dont think i have ever had a melon like this, now i have to go and try one!!!

[@minghueileong]

Very nice episode about the world famous Yubari melons! Definitely something that I would like to try in my lifetime. Good tip about the all you could eat for 2500 yen!

[@kkslifestyle2410]

Wow!! Nice video

[@greenmoss9079]

Oh how I love the merry month of May!! That soft melon ice cream looked wonderful bye bye Winter

[@Suede224]

Another great story, that has to be the best looking melon ever.

[@jondiid]

I wanna try those melons! 😍😍😍

[@JH-lz4dh]

Great job!!

[@zacharyyarost5804]

This is a wonderful video c:

[@kenho888]

Great video John!

[@stk.plantation2912]

Melons that are very sweet thunder for sure 👍👍

[@TheCynthiaRice]

Back when I first came to Japan for business in the '80's a vendor gifted me one of these melons. It was the best I ever had.

[@TheCynthiaRice]

@@robatochan7182 Yeah, no.

[@007007gf]

Although Yubari melon and cantaloupe look alike, the taste and scent of Yubari melons says it all and it's good. I have purchased the Yubari melons for gifts too. Very special. Still love you and PvG eating at the all you can eat place. Melon Kuma John. Thanks for the well made video.

[@Glasseyyy]

Great episode! Ever since the streams with Pete, I really want to try a slice one day.

[@spinncook7402]

Really great video John! I would love to taste one someday!

[@kafenaded]

awesome video!

[@RedZ1900]

This is great

[@zakkwylde72]

wow! cool video!

[@Emmbedd]

Amazing work my dude

[@Karthig1987]

Nicely done

[@tonywitte8034]

That was very very very good 👍

[@Lvlaple4Ever]

Finally a new upload...