Citrus fruits from Hiroshima Prefecture sold in ‘island jewel boxes’

The Yomiuri Shimbun

December 12, 2021

OSAKIKAMIJIMA, Hiroshima — Natsumi Fujinaka, a fruit grower on an island in the Seto Inland Sea, prepares “island jewel boxes” packed with lemons and mikan oranges in gradations of green, yellow and orange. Harvesting and shipping of the fruits is now at its peak on Osakikamijima, Hiroshima Prefecture, a leading citrus production area.

Fujinaka, 27, is one of many people who have moved there to become farmers, arriving four years ago. She said of her 3-kilogram boxes, “I want people to be happy with the taste and appearance.” She grows the fruits and sells the three-kilogram boxes, which include green lemons and mikan oranges.

An official of the town government praised Fujinaka’s efforts, saying, “The appeal of our island’s specialty products is enhanced by her youthful sensitivity.”

Fujinaka said, “I want people to be happy with the taste and appearance [of the fruits].”