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Discover Okayama's Grapes at Tokyo's Exciting Fairs!

Okayama Prefecture, renowned for its warm climate and exceptional cultivation techniques, is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year—the 140th anniversary of the famous Muscat of Alexandria grape cultivation. To honor this occasion, a series of fairs showcasing the finest grapes from Okayama, including Shine Muscat and Pione, will take place at various department stores and specialty fruit shops throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Celebrate the Best of Okayama's Grapes

The fairs will feature a plethora of unique events focused on grapes, including fresh produce delivered straight from the farms, a customer-participation "Grape General Election," and special sales, allowing attendees to experience the charm of Okayama's grapes firsthand. Locations such as Shinjuku and Ginza will be lively hubs for these enchanting events.

Highlight Event: Haru no Kuni Okayama x Lumiere Agrim Marche

One of the most notable events will be held on October 3rd and 4th at the JR Shinjuku Station's Miraina Tower. This exclusive gathering will allow attendees to indulge in the exquisite grapes and food culture of Okayama under the theme, "Let’s Eat What We Love."

• - Date: October 3rd (Sat) 13:00-20:00, October 4th (Sun) 11:00-18:00
• - Location: Outside the Miraina Tower ticket gate at JR Shinjuku Station (2F Entrance of Newman Shinjuku)

Highlights of the Fair

1. Diverse Selection of Okayama Grapes and Products: The fair will feature 19 booths, including seasonal grape offerings from JA Zennoh Okayama. Attendees can explore a range of agricultural products, including drinks, seasonings, and sweets unique to Okayama, ensuring everyone finds something to love.
2. Freshly Picked Produce Delivery: A special one-day event on October 3rd will focus on freshly harvested corn and more, directly shipped to Tokyo and available for exclusive sale, with producers on-site.

In addition to the main event, several other fairs will take place at department stores and premium fruit shops across the Tokyo area, allowing attendees to relish the prime seasonal grapes from Okayama.

Featured Fairs in Tokyo

1. Keio Department Store Okayama Grape Fair

• - Dates: September 3rd - September 16th (Closed September 10th)
• - Location: Keio Department Store Shinjuku, B1 Fresh and Groceries Section
• - Notable Highlights:

- Grape General Election: A participatory voting event for attendees to select their favorite grape variety.
- 140th Anniversary Special Sale: Commemorating the rich history of the Muscat of Alexandria with exclusive sales.

2. Sun Fruits (Tokyo Midtown Store) Fruit PR

• - Dates: July 17th - September 30th
• - Location: Sun Fruits, Tokyo Midtown
• - Highlights: Promotion of the finest Okayama peaches and grapes during their peak season.

3. Shinjuku Takano Okayama Grape Fair

• - Dates: September 11th - September 13th
• - Location: Shinjuku Takano Main Store, B2
• - Highlights: Sales of carefully selected Okayama grapes and related sweets.

- PR featuring the mascot character, Masucat, during scheduled appearances on September 12th and 13th.

4. Isetan Shinjuku Okayama Fair

• - Dates: September 30th - October 6th
• - Location: Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, B1 Fresh Market
• - Highlights: Sales of Okayama grapes, organic produce, and gourmet Italian vegetables.

Media Tasting Event Report

On September 4th, a media tasting event titled "Okayama Grape Kingdom" was held at the antenna shop "Tottori-Okayama Shimbashi Building." During this gathering, officials discussed the long history of Okayama's grapes and the meticulous care taken in producing exquisite sweets inspired by the fruits of the region.

1. Overview of Okayama’s Grape Legacy and the 140th Anniversary of Alexandrian Grapes: Takamasa Kajitani, Director of Okayama Prefectural Government, discussed the thriving cultivation of grapes within Okayama brought forth by its favorable climate and advanced farming techniques. This year’s special focus is on the king of fruits, the Muscat of Alexandria, marking 140 years of cultivation.

2. Unique Cultivation Philosophy Behind Quality: Shingo Hayashi, representative of the Hayashi Grape Research Institute, introduced innovative practices in grape cultivation, such as the glass greenhouse developed for the Muscat of Alexandria and rare techniques that ensure the optimal uniformity of grapes.

3. A Beloved Product Continues to Impress: Shinji Okano, Executive Officer at Sohka Gen Kichijoan, reflects on the enduring popularity of their signature product, Rikunohoju, made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes.
These heartfelt insights captivated the audience and highlighted the intrinsic connection between the fruits and the culinary excellence they inspire.

From grapefests to tasting events, join us in celebrating the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Okayama, experiencing the extraordinary flavors of its grapes!