Japan's number one cherry producer

Japan's number one cherry producer is Yamagata Prefecture. A fact the prefecture's residents are very proud of. So much so, they created an anniversary dedicated to their cherries. Yamagata Cherry Day 山形さくらんぼの日 is on June 6th annually.

The exact group responsible for the anniversary is the Yamagata prefectural branch of Japan Agriculture (JA), the national agricultural cooperative. JA works to create a bridge between producers and consumers. The date of the anniversary was chosen because the number 6 resembles the silhouette of a cherry. In addition, early June marks the peak of the cherry harvest season in Yamagata.

The goal of the anniversary is to further promote the high-quality reputation of Yamagata cherries, which are beloved both inside and outside the prefecture. Have you ever tasted Yamagata cherries?