In Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, a watermelon splitting competition using a specialty watermelon was held for the first time in three years on the 7th.
This event was planned by an executive committee made up of Obanazawa citizens and others to promote the specialty watermelon, and it was held for the first time in three years due to the influence of the new corona.
A special venue was set up on the shores of Lake Tokura, and a total of 14 groups of 42 people participated, each group consisting of 3 people, not only from the local area but also from Tokyo and Miyagi.
200 non-standard watermelons that cannot be shipped were prepared.
When the watermelon was split beautifully, the tourists who were visiting the venue were enthusiastically applauding.
In addition, watermelons were served free of charge at the venue, and the participants tasted watermelons that are in season.
A boy who participated said, "Today was my first time. It was quite difficult, but it was fun."
Yoshiaki Miura, chairman of the executive committee, said, "I'm glad that the corona wreck continues, but it's been a long time since I've been able to hold it. I want to make it a tournament where many people from all over the country gather."