The Cantaloupe melon season started with the auctioning of the first two melons in the central market of Sapporo, the capital of the Japanese region of Hokkaido. The melons were sold for an incredible 5 million yen, i.e. 40,800 euro.

The two melons of the Cantaloupe variety are of excellent quality and were grown receiving a large number of sunlight hours. They were bought by the Pokka Sapporo drinks company.

The president of the company, Yoshihiro Iwata, said he made the purchase to help Yubaris local economy, according to statements made by the Japanese public broadcaster NHK.

In Japan, it is traditional to auction the first species of the agricultural products to mark the beginning of the season. Said products reach exorbitant prices, as they are sold more for advertising and in a symbolic spirit than with a lucrative desire.