The Kisosaki Town Giant Pumpkin Enthusiasts Association hosted the 10th Japan Giant Pumpkin Mie Prefecture Tournament in early September at the Kisosaki Town Hall. The event was held in conjunction with the Kisosaki Autumn Festa 2026, organized by the local tourism association, and drew a large number of attendees.
The competition featured Atlantic Giant pumpkins, an ornamental variety known locally as dote kabocha. Participants from Kisosaki and neighboring municipalities submitted pumpkins for weighing, which were measured individually using a forklift.
Osamu Makita, a resident of Kisosaki, secured his first victory in the competition with a pumpkin weighing 463.5 kilograms. This weight set a new record for the tournament. Following his win, Makita credited his success to favorable weather and the guidance of experienced growers. He plans to enter the winning pumpkin in the upcoming national competition to be held in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture.
Article and image source: agrinews.co.jp