Local Connection:
Watermelon is one of the principal agricultural products of Kumamoto. Annually, they produce over 15% of the watermelon consumed in Japan. Besides the perfectly round beauties shown below, some of the watermelons are carefully grown in glass to create a perfect square watermelon that retails for around $100.

Also of note are the extremely detailed watermelon sculptures created by area artist Takashi Itoh. The designs are simply amazing.

photo as posted on flickr by KumamotoMark