Koge Hanagosho Persimmon (Tottori): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Available around December.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Koge Hanagoshogaki is a kaki (Japanese persimmon) used a native variety “Hanagoshogaki” which has been cultivated in former Koge Town since more than 200 years ago. Compared to other Kaki, Koge Hanagoshogaki is sweet, fine-textured and juicy.Its average sugar content is 17 degrees or higher. It is highly evaluated so that it won the first prize in kaki category at the first post- war national fruit exhibition and competition held in 1947.

Link with the production area

It is said that the origin of Koge Hanagoshogaki is Goshogaki brought from Nara Prefecture in about 1780. Koge Hanagoshogaki has been cultivated since more than 200 years ago. Dr.Onda at the Horticultural Experiment Station of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry named it “Hanagoshogaki” in 1909. From 1969, the producers’ group branded it under the name of “Koge Hanagoshogaki”.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s72.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

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These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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FAQ

Persimmons of the Hanagosho variety, a local cultivar grown for more than 200 years in Yazu Town (formerly Koge Town), Tottori Prefecture. Sweeter than ordinary persimmons, with dense, juicy flesh, it won first prize in the persimmon category at Japan's first postwar national fruit competition in 1947.

Koge Hanagosho Persimmon is produced in Yazu Town, Yazu County, Tottori Prefecture.

Koge Hanagosho Persimmon is in season (harvested or shipped) in Dec. Available around December.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Koge Hanagosho Persimmon was registered as a Geographical Indication on December 27, 2018 (Registration No. 72). The registered producer group is Tottori Inaba Agricultural Cooperative.