Shipments of square watermelons have started from western Japan to markets across the country and overseas. They come from the town of Zentsuji in Kagawa prefecture.

The fruits are 18 centimeters square and grown in plastic braces, which restricts their shape. But the watermelons are inedible because they are harvested unripe.

They are popular in Japan as gift items for decoration. Orders have been received from Thailand and Russia this year. One square watermelon goes for about 97 US dollars.