Save the Melon from Extinction!? Summit Held in Ibaraki Prefecture
Hokota City, Ibaraki Prefecture, will host the "National Melon Summit in Hokota" (Organizer: Hokota City Executive Committee; Supported by: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) on June 4 and 5. The event aims to boost melon sales nationwide.
The first day will feature a business summit where representatives and producers from melon-producing regions nationwide will exchange information on issues surrounding melons and discuss their future. On the second day, at Hokota General Park, stage shows will be held, along with gourmet and sweet product areas, creating an event for many people to learn about and enjoy melons.
The summit was first held in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in June 2015, attracting approximately 40,000 visitors.
On April 27, a joint declaration ceremony for the summit was held at the prefecture's antenna shop, "Ibaraki Marche," in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Governor Masashi Hashimoto explained that while the prefecture is Japan's top melon producer, domestic melon consumption has halved compared to 25 years ago. "We started this summit because we want people to enjoy melons more. We ask for your cooperation," he stated in his address.
Mayor Hohei Onizawa of Hokota City, who took over from Mayor Hideyuki Harada of Fukuroi City, explained the current state of melons, once called the king of fruits. Due to the emergence of other fruits and sweets, production volume, consumption, and cultivated area have decreased, and the aging of producers is also significant. He expressed a sense of crisis, stating, "Melons are an endangered species, and in the near future, melons may no longer be available to eat in Japan." He then said, "I hope the Summit will help people rediscover melon's appeal. It's 'Discovery Melon!'"
Joining the event were Sayaka Isoyama, a talent from the city serving as the summit's publicity director, along with supporters: pastry chef Toshihiko Yorizuka and Italian chef Yoshinaga Jinbo, who is also involved in food education.
The three will participate in the event on the 5th, engaging in stage talks and live cooking demonstrations.
Each shared their aspirations for the Summit. Kurotsuka introduced a melon shortcake, while Jinbo presented a melon smoothie. Isoyama, who sampled both, beamed with delight. The trio conveyed messages such as "We hope you experience delicious melons from all over Japan" and "Please come to the Summit, packed with fun events." All attendees then jointly declared their commitment to the event.
National Melon Summit Official Website:
http://melon-summit.jp/kiki/
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