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Mar 1, 2026

Japan's unique "Dekopon"

A "dekopon" (デコポン)  is a Japanese citrus fruit known for its sweetness, easy‑to‑peel skin, and the distinctive bump on top. The bump is what earned it its name - deko means bump and the pon is from ponkan, one of its parent varieties. It is a cross between the ponkan and the kiyomi.  To me, in appearance it looks like a cross between an orange and a yuzu.


"Dekopon" is a trademark of Kumamoto Prefecture. It entered the Japanese market on March 1st 1991. With the result, the first of March annually is Dekopon day デコポンの日. It is part of the broader Shiranui (不知火) variety, but only fruits that meet strict standards for sugar content, acidity, and appearance can be sold under the premium name “Dekopon.” The vast majority of Japan's Dekopon are grown in Kumamoto, Ehime, Wakayama, Hiroshima and Saga. 


Have you ever eaten a dekopon? What did you think of it?


Japan's unique "Dekopon" photo


BigfamJapan

BigfamJapan

Former nickname was "Saitama". Changed it to save confusion on place review posts! Irish, 20+ years in Japan! I also write on my personal website: insaitama.com


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