Square Watermelon Farming ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Zentsuji in Kagawa Prefecture is the home to Japan's SQUARE WATERMELONS and I travel to Shikoku Island to the very spot where they've been producing them for decades.
In this Man vs. Nature battle, mankind seems to have won -- but at the expensive costs to produce square watermelons, a luxury fruit, does anyone actually want one?
Before going, I had many questions:
Why do Japanese Square Watermelons exist?
How are the grown?
Do you eat them?
What do they taste like?
How much do they cost?
I asked the son of the man who started it all, Yamashita-san.
He took over for his father and continues his legacy of growing the perfect square watermelon.
The story:
About 45 years ago in Japan, ice cream and beverages started to compete with watermelons in the summer, and Zentsuji's Yamashita-san, who didn't want to give up making watermelons, decided to make the square watermelon to compete with those new favorites. Unfortunately, the costs were too high so they changed strategy to make them for display purposes. Stores would gladly pay more for it while customers did not want to pay more to eat them.
Over the years, his son took over and he stuck with it - and now the SQUARE WATERMELON of ZENTSUJI is world famous!
I'll take you to the farm where you'll see the metal and glass box they're grown in.
The we go to the cooperative warehouse where local farmers process the watermelons for distribution around Japan and the rest of the world.
Facts about the Square Watermelon:
* They're only grown in Zentsuji where they are both trademarked and patented.
* Zentsuji produces about 200 annually.
* They cost between 10,000 and 20,000 yen in Tokyo but depending on the market forces, prices can rise to as high as 90,000 yen for one!
* How big are they? They're 18 x 18cm so they can fit on the shelf if a refrigerator.
* The harvest starts at the end of June and lasts to the middle of July.
How to get to Zentsuji:
There are a few daily flights to Takamatsu from Narita (Tokyo) with JETSTAR Airlines.
From Takamatsu Airport, take a bus to the JR Train Station then a local train to Zentsuji / 30 minutes.
Google Map:
goo.gl/maps/KfyUNGiaWW92
Music Credits:
Habanera by Bizet
Frozen Star by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
♩♫ Happy and Inspirational Music ♪♬ - Bedtime Stories (Copyright and Royalty Free) by Ross Bugden
• ♩♫ Happy and Inspirati...
Special thank you to Mr. Hoshi from the Zentsuji Tourism Office!
www.zentsuji.com/english/
and Mr. Yamashita and his wife & JA Kagawa
★ Eating a $200 Square watermelon • Eating a $200 Square W...
★ Cutting open a Square Watermelon in Tokyo on WHAT’S INSIDE: • What's inside a Square...
▶︎ $5,000 Miyazaki Mango at Auction - buy Why? • $5,000 Mango at Auctio...
NOTE:
This video is under the normal KZbin License (it's not creative commons) and permission is required for use of this video.
All business inquiries :[e-mail]
We at WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPAN will continue to introduce the amazing Japanese food and tradition through the eyes of foreigners in high-quality documentaries.
Many great things about Japan, which even Japanese people didn't know are introduced
Thank you very much for your continuous support!
WAO-RYU! ONLY in JAPANでは外国人の視点でアメイジングな日本の歴史や食べ物などをハイクオリティーなドキュメンタリーで紹介し、
日本も知らない日本の魅力を伝えていきます。
みなさまの応援よろしくお願いします。
【ビジネス関連のお問い合わせは　[e-mail]へ】

[@dahkillahmac]

Just wanted to say that your channel is one of my absolute favorites on KZbin. My interest in visiting Japan has skyrocketed since I subscribed a long time ago. It's obvious that you put forth a ton of effort in each and every video you upload. Your content and efforts are appreciated!

[@chiggy2938]

I second this comment. John, I hope you're reading lol

[@hijack69]

Same with me.The Japanese government needs to sponsor his videos. John does a really great job to be honest

[@ErikDaVinci]

I second this as well. You really let us in to the core of the Japanese culture! :-)

[@Karrrman]

sooo true

[@TheMojahid1234]

I Totally Agree!!!!💯 So Peaceful! All I Need Is My Camera!! -> 📷 PHONE 📵

[@ainoaguy]

Listening to the farmer talk was so calming.

[@matthewmeek4289]

Asian farmers are always so full of shit

[@brookie6231]

niasci Ikr

[@salmanalfaruq6714]

I think it's Japanese old people thing. When I hear their sound, I just feel like obeying whatever they say

[@aa-ng4ot]

Matthew Meek racist, an ignorant one!

[@estasdeprimido5757]

Matthew Meek 😂😂😂😂😂😂💀💀💀💀💀

[@greggiraerts5952]

This channel should be one of the top channels on youtube in my opinion. I've never seen such a nice and detailed look into Japan and all of it's special features. As a Japan fanboy I love every upload. Keep it up!

[@WhatsInside]

Love this episode. So interesting! Also, congrats on 300k subs!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Thanks Dan & Lincoln! I think we need to take a chain saw to the "pyramid watermelon" of Hokkaido or "human face watermelon" of Fukuoka -- to see what's inside ;) -John

[@ben7784]

What’s inside an orange

[@mochi__26]

What's Inside? When I saw you first colabe together I was like WHAT!!!?? 2 of my fav YTs

[@eddiegomez7998]

I subscribed

[@luckyy5845]

I think he has a million subs

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I'm away in Tokushima to film the AWAODORI festival until Sunday. I'll fix the English subtitles (add in the Japanese parts for the CC) and if anyone can help with the narration after that, I'd be very thankful for that!! So would a lot of other viewers in far away places. Thank you again for watching! More videos on the way ASAP including the Q&A! -John

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Sorry, I mean the translation not the "narration" -- OPPS! -J

[@Edgar-re3jv]

hi

[@erickg3508]

Love your video man... keep it up!!!

[@DaRUde117]

YES YES YES YESSS TOKUSHIMAAAA

[@rccar344]

If you would like it, I could provide hindi translations, if you want.

[@fortunatetalisman]

I thought it was gonna be super sweet like the luxury strawberries. For me, what's the point if I can't eat it!

[@tb14333]

it's got display reasons, the common person won't buy it, store owners will to drag in customers

[@cassandrab3536]

Dark Yaj them not dem

[@Riddim_Squid]

You can eat them there just not meant for eating

[@rygnyr3083]

Gilbert Quintanar ok

[@danielzboy]

The watermelon's main purpose now is as ornaments for decoration. When the melon grows to fit into the box it would be in the ideal shape and size for an ornament. There would thus be no point in making a bigger mold and allow the melon to grow bigger.

[@wilke109]

These videos are my absolute favorites on KZbin. I've watched every single one at least twice and they were such a huge help for me when I visited Japan back in April. I did my own independent research, but when it came to certain locations, I only knew about them thanks to these videos. Thank you so much and never stop doing what you're doing.

[@SilkyC]

I have had this video on my "Watch later" list for like 2 years!!!!!!! I am only now getting around to finally watching it!!!!!! Worth it

[@superultrarollingbomberthu8829]

Not to be that guy, but it's like a minecraft melon.... In real life...

[@rrsidentfrickhoe]

I know it looks really cool

[@minhvisual4265]

Now someone need to make a square pumpkin!

[@Fr00stee]

Too bad it doesnt split into 8 perfect pieces if you punch it

[@maimetechy]

Where Wear going We Dont need a Life We Can Just Respawn :3

[@blaked.4571]

Kirby get a working space bar

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

WELCOME everyone from WHAT’S INSIDE ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) hope you enjoy seeing where these Square Watermelons come from - check out some more adventures like the Flame Thrower Chef of Osaka, Why Japanese live to 100 and What’s a Japanese Sandwich like / What’re Japanese school lunches like? -John

[@loganyee542]

ONLY in JAPAN when I saw your name I was like yes finally my dream has come true!

[@dk_noobmaster46]

haha, you are so cheeky John-san xD

[@jm-----]

aaah! I thought you were gonna drop it!!! Love the videos, wish there were more!!! (already binge-watched all! :c )

[@BlindGuardian050]

thankyou! love watching your videos but they don't come out quickly enough!!! keep up the good work

[@nathanmaysonmountjoy1707]

*quits school and starts growing watermelons* You can make money off anything😂😂

[@SkyscraperM]

😂😂😂 such a stupid comment

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Japan: the kind of country to invent square watermelons to maximize space in the fridge 🤣🤣

[@dogdog2257]

And then sell it at 200$ a piece . I can buy a new fridge at that price

[@daisy.elvira]

It’s more of a decoration... not meant to be eaten

[@SirDankleberry]

You don't eat it, apparently it's under ripe.

[@jaybirdcook]

You guys have the highest quality video about Japan I have seen on KZbin.this should be on tv.

[@garythree]

Another great video John....thanks!

[@b3lt3n3broso]

Hey John! It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Each video is a funny and an amazing journey into the japanese culture. I really hope I'll get the chance to go to Japan soon :) P.S: It would be great if you could add the english subs when you speak japanese too, not only on the video I mean. I'm doing italian subs for some of your videos and I've noticed that when we translate subs in other languages we can't add subs in those parts because the english subs are only on the video. If you could change that for the next videos it would be awesome. That said, thank you for your hard work ;)

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I uploaded just as I was leaving for another location shoot >_< I'll add those in on Saturday / Sunday. -John

[@Hunzh647]

Lol did that man say the Chinese stole the square water melon idea and is selling them in Canada? XD

[@bug7055]

Yes lmao

[@KK-jg3hq]

Chinese being chinese

[@FuadiansyahSamsuri]

It's Chinese you know...

[@SisselMissile]

True. They selling them here too but cheap like other watermelon and taste normal

[@meriginiabel1481]

So unfortunate

[@xXrawrxP]

I always get hyped up whenever you post a new video.

[@hijack69]

Great Video Quality and a lovely and an awesome video. In fact way better than the documentaries shown on TV. Even if it is just a 15 min video you do a great job in covering all aspects of the topic. Also looking forward to the QnA

[@MandalorianFanboy]

Cool video. That self serve noodle bar looked interesting. I just booked an 11 day cruise all around Japan for my wife and I in April 2018. Going to be difficult waiting that long but sooo looking forward to experiencing Japan.

[@edaten4205]

How was it?

[@WaffleCat3367]

buy square watermelon put in on a shelf for 6 months throw it out LOGIC!

[@callmewaves1160]

WaffleCat3367 how is it any different to Gingerbread houses

[@callmewaves1160]

WaffleCat3367 ok

[@wolfonprowell1946]

What about real Christmas trees. Thats a comparison.

[@lionellim1101]

@@wolfonprowell1946 comparing a non edible thing to a fruit? Wow just wow. Why dont you compare a christmas tree to a piece of furniture then? A tree without any use other than being ornamental but a furniture provide necessity. LOL.

[@wolfonprowell1946]

Lionel Lim ? They're both not meant to be eaten and last only a while. I'm referring to real Christmas trees not fake ones. They've both been rid of their original purpose and have been given a new purpose. A purpose to only be decor.

[@notreallyhim]

Another great Video John!

[@mangolovefahrenheit]

Finally another video!! Eagerly waiting for more!! Your videos are so fun and informative

[@MrJohnprouzos]

well done john always watching ur chanel. nice one with the watermelons i was curious about this but never looked into it until now i really enjoyed ur reportaz. keep it up bravo 🖒

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

I'd seen people show them on KZbin and read stuff on the net, but no one had really gone down there -- so I chased the story and found other cool things like KATAPAN! ... and that breast temple. Adventures can take you to new places you didn't expect you'd ever be! -John

[@worldofretrogameplay6963]

I love Japan. It’s the land of innovation..

[@devinandres2911]

Amazing video as always. So informative and fun to watch! Keep up the good work man. 😁

[@chihai_tran]

Nice vid bro, keep up the good work

[@gauravsolanki4794]

Patent rules don't applies to Chinese.

[@MaleficDan]

God Bless Communism

[@JimmyDean59]

Eldritch Beast Soyuz Nerrushimy.

[@rickregina5053]

I dont think they allow Chinese square watermelons onto Japanese soil...

[@lionellim1101]

patent rules dont apply to English snobs and Whites as well.

[@Dr.Dartix]

@@LTDLetsPlays You keep on drinkin your tea you stuck up top hat T-Bagger

[@liberator48]

A square is a 2d object. If anything it's a cube watermelon...

[@MisookSensei]

Loved your expression and the "UMMMMMM" when you described the taste of the square watermelon. It is definitely an art...and also history.

[@CrashFactory666]

Your fluency in both English and Japanese is really amazing, I couldn't think of a better host for a show like this. Keep up the great work!!

[@erikvanconover]

Love the video John, I've been bingeing on your channel for the past two hours! It was great meeting you in Tokyo, how was the rest of the trip down South?

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Hi Erik, great to meet you as well on our tour of Tokyo! The Awaodori in Tokushima was amazing! One day of it was not enough. It was sad to split with Lacy at the bus station. She bought some Japanese eye drops which burned a hole through our eyes! Pretty funny! I returned to Tokyo and had to leave again for Osaka on the bullet train for a meeting. Are you already back in New York? Saw your show -- was a lot of fun, esp escaping the guide to see the mega gyoza! Will binge your channel when I get back to Tokyo tomorrow. -J

[@erikvanconover]

I arrived back in New York City yesterday afternoon, I watched you Gyoza video yesterday, the shell was so thick! Kudos for eating as much as you did. I'm already planning a return trip to Japan either this coming Winter or Spring!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

+Erik Conover Awesome! I'll be here, mate. Gonna be epic! -John

[@NegativePressure]

Hmm, I never knew you weren't supposed to eat them. Glad I never bought one lol

[@bloodyoil5660]

So glad you uploaded again

[@veo_]

Easily my favorite Only in Japan episode yet. It's great when you connect with local people in meaningful ways

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Yes, it was a real fun one to make! I always love working with people who know a heck of a lot more than me so I can also learn something. These farmers, especially Yamashita-san are a real inspiration. Thanks for writing! -John

[@NachoMama.]

He said..."If we dont keep it under control it gets copied.(followed by).."the chinese copied it and sell it in Canada"🤔. Old man calling out China🤣😂

[@internationallyME]

I want some square watermelon~ And just play スイカ割り at the beach hehe that would be one expensive game.. Btw, your green head wrap suits this episode 🍉

[@UmmPoopie]

Never been this early! Saw the notification and had to click before going to sleep 😴❤️ Another fun&informative video~~

[@inboundkagawa1596]

This is such a great episode. Greatly enjoying your channel!! Keep up the awesome work.

[@redlanterncorps1714]

"It's been copied in China.." why am I not surprised 🤣

[@rumourplays]

Who has come here from 'Whats inside's' channel

[@zuhaziyad4679]

RUMOUR PLAYS me

[@rumourplays]

@@zuhaziyad4679 aha!

[@ramengandalf7064]

Me

[@minecraftmadison462]

Me the first time I watched it

[@rumourplays]

@@minecraftmadison462 sad

[@BigRizza1]

Hi John, thank you so much for making these videos. they really brighten up my day whenever and wherever. Carry on being awesome!

[@Turbo.Tim00]

Ive been waiting for this vid for so long THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@Lvlaple4Ever]

If they're giving away their secrets this easily, of course the Chinese are going to copy it xD

[@kimjonfunk531]

G

[@davidjaquith1138]

Only in japan is it illegal.

[@marksmyth3223]

+Jonathan Hsieh As in no one will fuck with you if you grow/make one outside of Japan.:)

[@DaisyM]

It's not like it is a secret, they revealed how it's made a long time ago, i mean it's not hard to figure out either way but even if they make them in china, everyone knows they are originally from japan.

[@TheLovieli]

China has been doing it for a long time, fyi

[@z104ful]

I'm not sure how I feel about this *Minecraft* update...🤔

[@Straw_Hat_Gamer]

Thanks John, been waiting for this episode, the guys voice was nice and peaceful. I wish I could just talk about stuff with him. :D

[@roadworthy6901]

Thanks for the video, I get sad you don't have more views, keep up the great videos!

[@rodyinjapan]

Your Videos are very professional is there a whole team behind it? or just one guy behind the lense?

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Just me. I had to go back here twice to finish filming this episode. Took forever, but it was fun to learn about the process from the inventor's son and meet those farmers who make this weird fruit!

[@greveeen]

ONLY in JAPAN thats really impressive of you, it all looks very professional

[@TheBeatles..]

A really good episode John. Very informative & makes me appreciate this more than I have in the past.

[@thinhnguyen8784]

before i die. i will go to japan.

[@sonnydacuse7622]

John, I enjoy all your videos! thanks

[@unique_mushroom]

yay a new episode! these are my favorite japan vids :)

[@SuperMrCRAZYMAN]

how much was the gold ice cream?

[@MaleficDan]

probably $1 for the ice cream and $999 for the gold

[@controller8942]

Why would anyone want to buy a square watermelon when it doesn't even taste good.

[@swordslash8]

The same reason people buy plastic apples and stuff to put into a bowl, only more exprnsive

[@tb14333]

as they said, it's for display reasons. If I walked past a fruit store other a department store and saw a square watermelon in the window, I would go on probably end up buying some other fruit but it's used to bring customers in.

[@sakurahimekaden9755]

+Tatiana Brittian true....

[@PongoXBongo]

Especially if they displayed the regular, affordable watermelons from that same grower right below it.

[@DKmaechen]

To play real life Minecraft.

[@MrAcid-sb4wz]

Awesome episode :D more more more!!

[@db2able]

Really good story behind on how it started & the whole process to the final product. Good job John.

[@georgia556]

Why is it only grown there John ?

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

It's grown in China and Canada now, but why Japan? Because Japanese pay A LOT for luxury fruits as gifts. The market is much bigger than elsewhere. In Japan, they see it as art. In the USA, I saw it as just fruit or food :) so that's why Japan can make (and actually sell) unusual fruits! -john

[@georgia556]

Thanks !! John !!

[@ggddmenszd]

I have always thought it was edible, but now I know. It's for display only, what a shame.

[@bigbeeftomatoes]

love all your videos. never stop!

[@Flavio617]

Awesome interesting video! like always!

[@ShaunDreclin]

Seems a bit silly to buy it if it's inedible. Does it ripen over time or just go rotten? Would be neat if you could display it for a few months then eat it once it's ripe

[@tb14333]

it said for up to 6 months that it could be on display

[@MejraThea]

Watermelons do not ripen after being removed from the vine. It would rot some time after its allotted shelf life.

[@ShaunDreclin]

Ahh thats a shame then

[@PongoXBongo]

Kind of like a giant Halloween pumpkin that just sits on your front step slowly rotting away. Could have used that money to buy some tasty squash instead. ;)

[@ShaunDreclin]

Hahah that's true but pumpkins are way cheaper!

[@amark3721]

Here from what’s inside

[@ederlopez2716]

I clicked right away. Love this channel.

[@swordslash8]

Woohoo another video!! Keep up the great work John, I know it will be as great as all the others without even watching

[@nourrozali1375]

Japanese always 1 step further... including in humanity mental health.. 🤷‍♀️

[@studio1008]

it's only a melon in the box,jack.why the $$$?

[@interstellohi1506]

Because it's a melon in a box, that's why

[@pepinyostep3592]

Its rare

[@Theiwillsurviveguy]

Because it's such a limited supply

[@tb14333]

I know it's weird to think of every day fruits to be $$$ but you have to understand that in Japan,growing certain fruits is an art and as they said it's meant to be displayed not eaten.

[@PongoXBongo]

Japan (and Korea) have what I like to call "trophy fruits". Oversized, hand picked, show fruits that are typically given as gifts to family/in-laws, bosses/clients, and anyone else you want to show respect for or impress. Kind of like our giant fruit baskets in the west, only quality over quantity. And a square watermelon beats a giant pear for wow factor.

[@sewaldodiy]

I absolutely love the story behind it, very heart warming.

[@shiroeschulz4515]

thank you john :) great video

[@marjorierene427]

I like cheese 😋

[@missi2k252]

For some reason this comment actually made me laugh I think I might be losing some of my IQ lol😆😆

[@marjorierene427]

+Missi 2k 🤓

[@_blackraven_3138]

why square? it's a cube, 3-dimensional

[@OrientalGirl520]

wow, I always knew about square watermelon but this video is so insightful. such a touching story and many questions answered. I liked how you covered all areas such as tasting (:

[@deesnutz951]

Hey John. I really like your videos, thanks for making them! I like how the music for the Ribboned Watermelon part is the same music as in Kerbal Space Program when you achieve orbit!

[@taniya402]

Are u India?? Cauz you look kind of like Indian.

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Yes, my mother was born in India. I made a video with photos last week. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpiWaGWvrbShedk

[@CUBoulderFootball]

ONLY in JAPAN Dang you must by trilingual

[@jamescorrales1175]

did you tell mojang you were using the melons from minecraft because this would get a copy right strike

[@islem1263]

I love your vids dude

[@TheOnlyGHOST1015]

Awesome work man very informative always wanted to know about this 👍

[@dgwgbigxfuygdvj]

MINECRAFT IS INVADING THE WORLD

[@ItzRetz]

$500 for 10 days of growing, if I were them I would be expanding the farm 10 fold, and growing way more of them, sure the price would probably drop because they aren't as rare, but they would be selling so many more that they'd probably make way more money.

[@tb14333]

True but I maybe they want to keep it to a limited number plus it's already so hard to make the perfect one. If anything goes wrong like that titled watermelon that he tried, then it's time wasted

[@PongoXBongo]

From the farmer's mouth it sounds like the Chinese beat them to that strategy. They're lucky the Japanese market isn't flooded with cheap knock-offs. The patents/trademarks help a lot with that I'm sure.

[@jasper-ft3ei]

also if there is less supply then it means more demand

[@ntuples]

Good luck finding cheap labor force in Japan to take care of the expanded farmland, let alone acquiring such farmland there.

[@el_chino778]

I doubt they care about making more money

[@prithvideos7837]

good info bro , keep going 👍

[@biggcheepod3173]

Nice work! keep it up :)

[@m0m0m0m0m0]

A good informative channel but sometimes his enthusiasm comes off so scripted and fake it's hard to watch

[@HikaruKatayamma]

Thanks for a great video. I'd seen the square watermelons before, but I had no idea they were sooooooo expensive. Cheers!!

[@CLopez-mg4dt]

Great job! Keep up the good work :) I love watching these videos!

[@gracluvzen]

I absolutely love your channel.

[@myronkotaishi2536]

GREAT video!!! Best Regards from Greece!

[@jf_rides]

yes!!!!was waiting so long for this one!!!!

[@kayterz2no1]

I love your videos. I hope you continue to make them.

[@AngeloMellow]

Thanks for this video!

[@albertutama]

Very good video. Like it ! 😊

[@sailorninja]

This was really fun and interesting to watch! Thanks John ^____^

[@RIT2009]

I enjoy your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@divineyogabkk]

Great VDO. Though I lived a few years in Japan. I still learn a lot more about Japan from your channel. Keep up your good work!

[@Jhazxo]

i love these videos xD

[@juliangaleano1]

I love your videos!!! they are way better than TV ones. Looking foward to see more!!

[@WaoryuONLYinJAPAN]

Woah! Thanks for such a nice comment. Working on the next episode right now. -John

[@drumtravelfun]

Awesome episode John! Also, Japanese seniors are so inspiring.

[@nplebarton2206]

I was always curious what it looks like inside, thank you for sharing this!! Since an educational video and to learn how the owner have to reinvent their business model to continue what they love to do! Can't wait for the next video!!

[@juicey9535]

The way it fits the box is kinda satisfying

[@missi2k252]

Your video always make me smile thank you soo much John

[@racquelann366]

Thank you for another great video. Cheers from South Carolina.

[@unaanguila]

Thanks for sharing!