Masuda Amusmelon

"Masuda Amusmelon" is a large, sweet, and juicy melon whose tender flesh is edible almost all the way to the rind. The melon is popular as a gift and highly regarded in the market for its consistent quality. It has become a signature specialty of the area, and it is so well-known that hearing the name "Masuda" immediately brings this melon to mind.

"Masuda Amusmelon" is cultivated according to the varieties and growing methods recommended by the Masuda Amsumelon Shinko Kyogikai (Masuda Amsumelon Promotion Council; hereinafter referred to as "the Council").
　The fruits are sorted according to the Council's standards, which include nondestructive measurement of sugar content and the elimination of irregular or defective melons to ensure uniform quality.

The production area, Masuda City, is located in a warm region within the Japan Sea climate zone ⁽¹⁾ and enjoys favorable climate conditions, including long hours of sunshine in April and May, when melon fruits develop and ripen. The sandy soil in the lower reaches of the Takatsu River ⁽²⁾, which flows through the area, provides excellent drainage, making it well-suited for melon cultivation. At the same time, the river's abundant water supply enables sufficient irrigation during critical growth stages.
　Initially, farmers in the Iida district of Masuda City cultivated small quantities of diverse vegetables. After repeated discussions, they decided to focus collectively on a high-value specialty crop, and through trial and error, began cultivating Amusmelon in 1976. By 1980, the brand was unified under the name "Masuda Amusmelon", establishing integrated production across the region.
　Producers continued to pursue research and innovation to improve quality, introducing vertical cultivation methods, rare for Amusmelon, and in 1993, they developed an original cultivation technique unique to Masuda City. Additionally, they collaborated with a fertilizer manufacturer to create a custom fertilizer blend optimized for "Masuda Amusmelon".
　These dedicated efforts and technological advancements have resulted in the exceptional quality of "Masuda Amusmelon".

1. The Japan Sea climate occurs on the Sea of Japan side of the main island of Japan. It is characterized by heavy snowfall in winter and less summer rainfall than the Pacific side, along with foehn winds occurring in spring.
2. The Takatsu River is a Class A river that flows through western Shimane Prefecture. It has been selected multiple times as having the best water quality in Japan, according to the Recent Condition of Water Quality of Class A Rivers in Japan, an annual report published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.