Suika in Japan: Why Are Watermelons So Unique?

Suika (watermelon) is a popular fruit in Japan, especially during the hot summer. Japanese fruits pack tons of sweetness because they nurture perfect seeds and are obsessed with quality. Delicious, sweet, and unique, no one can deny the Japanese’s skill and love for quality and perfection. Don’t say you love watermelon until you’ve tasted the Japanese version of this summer treat! 

But we’re not just talking about any kind of watermelon; Japan is well known for its iconic square watermelon. Keep reading to learn more about the iconic suika and to get to know all the secrets of this fascinating fruit.

How did suika get to Japan?

Watermelons can be traced back to Japan as early as the 8th century AD. The first written record was in 1696 in Nōgyō Zensho (catalog of agriculture). They write “suika” with the kanji for “west” and “melon”. However, some people also use the kanji for “water” and “melon”. 

In the case of quirky-shaped watermelons, the idea of square watermelons first arose in response to a need. It was how to store awkwardly shaped oval melons inside refrigerators. A graphic designer named Tomoyuki Ono presented cube melons at an art gallery in Ginza, Tokyo, in 1978. It didn’t take long for the square watermelon trend to catch on. 

The cubed fruit could be stacked for neatness at home and for transportation. They looked wonderfully weird and made great table centerpieces and focal points in display windows. Nowadays, the southern Japanese city of Zentsuji in Kagawa prefecture is home to Japan’s square watermelon industry. The city also has a patent on square watermelons, so it’s the only place they can grow.

Why is it so popular?

Watermelon is generally prevalent in Japanese culture. It’s a popular snack for quenching your thirst in the hot summer. People will enjoy slices of these striped green fruits nationwide from June to August. Watermelon flavoring is common, too, in the form of watermelon gummy candies and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) filled with watermelon mousse. 

The gift-giving tradition in Japan may be to blame for this popularity. Square watermelons make great gifts and are also a status symbol. The square shape fits nicely into Japanese refrigerators, which have limited space. They’re also easier to stack, which is good for shipping.

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Densuke watermelon

You may have heard of black watermelons, another seriously pricey Japanese melon. Known as Densuke (black-skinned watermelon), these black watermelons are only found in the northern island of Toma, Hokkaido. The island’s specific climate and mineral-rich volcanic soil make cultivating the fruit possible. 

They have shiny black skin and a crisp, crunchy texture with a flavor that’s much sweeter. The black Densuke watermelons also have special seeds, and they’re hard to get your hands on. So, Densuke is considered the king of watermelons. They are treated like royalty — from planting to picking to packing. 

Square watermelon

Of course, these melons don’t naturally grow into cubes. There are no square-shaped watermelon seeds to be planted, either. Japanese cube watermelon isn’t even a specific species or variety. You could feasibly grow square watermelons at home in your vegetable patch!

The method for creating a Japanese watermelon is all about manipulating the growing process. When young, the watermelon is placed inside a glass cube to make a square shape. As it grows, it fits the shape of the container. Farmers remove the watermelon from their boxes when they grow to around 19cm in diameter. Joining them are watermelons in the shape of hearts, pyramids, and even a human face! 

Why should I try suika from Japan?

Watermelons are sweet regardless of which part of the world you enjoy, but nothing compares to the Japanese watermelon. These babies are crazy sweet and delicious! Japanese watermelon’s rind tends to be much thinner than all other kinds, meaning you get plenty more for your buck.

If budget is a factor, you are not determined to get exotic shapes; you can always find naturally shaped watermelons in supermarkets for reasonable prices. They are still high quality and quite sweet compared to most watermelons!

Now that we’ve established that watermelons are delicious summer treats, you should also know they are culturally significant. You haven’t been to a Japanese summer gathering without the suika game, suikawari (watermelon splitting). Have you tried suika before? Would you buy a square-shaped watermelon? Let us know in the comments below!