Announcement of the 4th Yamagata Beni-O Large Cherry Contest and Sales Event

The Yamagata Beni-O Branding Project Committee (Secretariat: Yamagata Prefecture) is promoting the new large cherry variety 'Yamagata Beni-O' through integrated production, distribution, and sales efforts.

To promote the features and appeal of 'Yamagata Beni-O', a contest to compete for the size (weight) of the fruit will be held within Yamagata Prefecture. Furthermore, the cherries exhibited in the contest will be sold specially in Tokyo, providing a precious opportunity to taste the exquisite 'Yamagata Beni-O'.

The 4th Yamagata Beni-O Large Cherry Contest!

—Who will be crowned the Red King this year?—

Date & Time: June 18, 2026 (Thursday) 10:30–12:00

Venue: Kasumi Central 1F Atrium (1-1-1 Johoku-machi, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture)

Access: 5-minute walk from JR Yamagata Station, connected directly by an overpass to 2F.

Exhibition Standards: Class: 4L (横径31mm) or larger, Grade: Tokushu (Special/Excellent).

—Size comparison— 500 yen coin: 26.5mm diameter.

Judging Method: Measure the weight of 10 fruits excluding non-standard fruits.

Admission: Free.

Sales event of contest-exhibited fruits! —First time in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area—

—Get the finest fruits selected in the contest in your hands!—

Date & Time: June 20, 2026 (Saturday) from 11:00

Venue: JR Ueno Station Grand Concourse (Yamagata Specialty City).

Content: Fruits exhibited in the 4th Yamagata Beni-O Large Cherry Contest sold on a one-day-only basis.

(Limited quantity, ends when sold out.)

About 'Yamagata Beni-O'

—A cherry nurtured in the nature of Yamagata, as big and brilliant as the sun—

The cherry 'Yamagata Beni-O' (variety name: Yamagata C12) debuted in 2023 as a promising large new variety that will carry the future of Yamagata Prefecture's cherries, alongside flagship varieties such as 'Sato Nishiki' and 'Beni Shuho'.

[Variety Characteristics]

・Large fruit production centered on 3L–4L (28–34mm diameter) is possible; two sizes larger than 'Sato Nishiki' and one size larger than 'Beni Shuho'.

・Sugar content is around 20 degrees, comparable to 'Sato Nishiki', with low acidity and good taste.

・Excellent coloring and gloss, with superior external quality.

・Firm flesh with excellent shelf life.