Shimane Prefecture launches premium Shinkou grape and Hourai fig

Shimane Prefecture’s newly developed premium grape — the Shinkou (神紅) hybrid of Benibaraud and Shine Muscat — has entered its peak shipping season. With sugar levels over 20 °Brix and a deep red skin, the fruit is sold at supermarkets in Izumo and nearby towns. A tasting‑sale event on 25 July in Izumo attracted families; a single bunch sells for ¥5,000‑¥10,000, while packs are offered for ¥950. JA Shimane’s Izumo district aims to ship about 6 tonnes this season, roughly 1.5 times last year’s volume, targeting ¥25 million in sales.

Alongside the grape, the region is marketing the rare Hourai fig (蓬莱柿), grown only in Izumo’s Takiki area. The small, sweet‑sour fruit ripens from August to October and must be handled carefully because it rapidly loses quality after fully ripe. It is sold through JA Shimane’s Rapita outlet and promoted via a campaign tied to the seasonal release of natural ayu fish in the Takikawa River. The launch also highlights a collaboration between Shimane University and the cosmetics company Polar, which discovered antioxidant and melanin‑inhibiting properties in Shinkou grape leaves and has produced a hair‑treatment product from the by‑product.