The city of Higashine in Yamagata Prefecture, which is famous throughout the country for its cherries, produces the largest number of these fruits. The city has created its own brand of cherries, which meets strict standards of size, color and taste.

In 2023, one kilogram of this variety was sold for 50,000 yen ($320) cheaper.

Yamagata Prefecture is traditionally considered the supplier of the most delicious cherries in Japan - 75% of all cherries produced in Japan are in this prefecture. Usually the first fruits appear in late spring and summer, but there is also a New Year's variety that goes on sale in the first days of the year.

The cultivation technology largely explains the high price. The trees grow in special tubs. From June to early October, they are placed in the refrigerator, and then transferred to the greenhouse. The greenhouse maintains a temperature of 25 degrees during the day and about 13 degrees at night.