Yamagata Beniou: Japan’s giant new cherry variety becomes a premium gift

In the heart of northeastern Japan, the harvest season is in full swing for one of the most promising cherry varieties: the Yamagata Beniou.

This large-sized, sweet-tasting fruit is quickly becoming a prestigious gift choice thanks to its unique features and the growing interest from producers.

An innovative variety with great potential

Developed in Yamagata Prefecture, Beniou began its commercial production only two years ago but has already secured a prominent position among Japanese cherries.

Each fruit reaches about 3 centimeters in diameter, with a high sugar content and low acidity, making it particularly pleasant to the taste.

By the end of March 2025, there were more than 3,080 registered growers, a steadily increasing number that highlights the enthusiasm surrounding this new cultivar.

A promising harvest in Higashine

In Higashine, a city renowned for cherry production, grower Mamoru Goto carefully handpicks the cherries, placing each fruit gently into baskets.

“Beniou stays fresh even in hot weather and has a delightfully crisp texture,” says Goto, encouraging everyone to try this variety, which is still little known outside Japan.

A strategic alternative to Sato Nishiki

While the production of the historic Sato Nishiki variety has been affected this year by unfavorable weather during the blooming season, Beniou stood out for its early flowering and growth favored by milder temperatures.

This resulted in an excellent yield, with an estimated shipment of around 70 tons in 2025, more than double that of the previous year.

With these figures and the increasing attention from consumers, Yamagata Beniou is emerging as a new leader in the Japanese cherry sector, well positioned to win over international markets as well.

Source: www3.nhk.or.jp

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