MOKA, Tochigi Pref. -- The Christmas season strawberry harvesting is in full swing in Tochigi Prefecture, the largest producer of the fruit in Japan.
Satoshi Karita, 57, who produces Tochiotome, a mainstay brand, and Tochiaika, a new brand the prefectural government developed in 2018, said things are about to get hectic.
"This year, a lot of flowers have bloomed and the strawberries are sufficiently sweet," Karita said. "We will be busy in the coming season."
According to local agricultural cooperatives, the start of harvesting this season was slightly delayed by prolonged summer rains and heat waves. However, since late November, the crop has rebounded to reach the same level as in previous years and the strawberries are sweeter because of the recent temperature difference.
Harvesting of the strawberries, which are mainly shipped to the Tokyo metropolitan area, is expected to continue through mid-May next year.
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