The California Prune Board has been operating in Japan for over 30 years. During that time, California prunes have grown to be one of the two iconic dried fruits known and consumed throughout the country.
Popular Uses
Prunes are valued in Japan as a source of nutrients, which can be eaten as they are, or with yogurt for gut health. Bakery products made with prune puree have a moist and spongy texture that is also popular. Some of them have become long seller or million seller items.
Local Events
Japanese schools or companies typically provide annual health checkups for free in spring. So, the Japanese people become more health conscious before and after the checkup season and eat more prunes.
Cultural Significance
Japan is highly susceptible to major earthquakes and tsunamis as well as extreme weather conditions such as typhoons. Prunes have increasingly become important for the Japanese people as an emergency food to stockpile. Video: Aristology for Living Through Major Disasters.