In Wakayama City, watermelons were found sprouting from cracks in the concrete.
"Dokonsei Watermelon" was found on the embankment near the mouth of the Waka River flowing through Wakayama City.
In mid-August, Mr. Kinji Ueno, who lives nearby, noticed an unfamiliar "vine" growing from a small crack in the concrete.
At first, I thought it was a pumpkin, but this month, a faint striped pattern, which is unique to the green watermelon, has emerged.
Two typhoons approached Wakayama Prefecture one after another this month, but the watermelon has grown to a diameter of about 6 centimeters without being defeated by the rain and wind, and has become a hot topic locally as "gutsy watermelon".
Mr. Ueno said, "I'm worried that he might be pulled over, so I'm watching over him every day. I'm doing my best, so I hope he grows up."
According to a prefectural official who manages the Waka River, there is no problem with the safety of the embankment.
This news was collected based on the information sent to NHK's information provision window "News Post".