Yamanashi Prefecture Strengthens Local Shine Muscat Promotion, Eyeing Vietnamese Market as YouTuber “Vietnam Kun” Visits Yamanashi Prefecture, Showcasing Charms of “Fruit Kingdom”

KOFU, Japan, Feb. 25, 2026 /Kyodo JBN/ —

The Yamanashi Prefectural Government boosts its local Shine Muscat grapes promotions for the Vietnamese market. Located just west of Tokyo, about one and a half hours by car or train, offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji, Yamanashi Prefecture–known as Japan’s “Fruit Kingdom”–has enhanced the quality of its locally grown Shine Muscat grapes and developed its original red grape variety based on the excellent qualities of Shine Muscat. It is actively promoting exports to Asian countries. Particularly, Gov. Kotaro Nagasaki is leading promotional efforts in Vietnam with an eye toward entering its market. Last year, “Vietnam Kun” (Keiichi Inoue), a Japanese YouTuber who lives in Vietnam, visited the prefecture to tour vineyards and explore sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji, Japan’s highest peak.

Videos
https://youtu.be/RNhJyGu6Sq4 (full-length)
https://youtu.be/1iYD1uaiTgE (short)

Vietnam Kun visited the Yamanashi Fruit Tree Experiment Station on a hillside overlooking the top of Mt. Fuji. It has a large-scale experimental orchard and conducts research on cultivation techniques for the stable production of high-quality grapes. The research findings are shared with growers in the prefecture, supporting the production of Shine Muscat grapes with juicy yellow-green skin and an elegant Muscat aroma.

Photo1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ay-OQHUfRm8N0VFwsLtykUmhLLCUhg-T/view?usp=drive_link

“We are also dedicated to developing new varieties of grapes and peaches,” a researcher said. In 2022, after 15 years of research, the prefecture registered “Sunshine Red,” a red grape variety created by crossing Shine Muscat with the red Sunny Dolce grape, as its original variety. It is attracting attention as a promising new variety for “Fruit Kingdom Yamanashi,” which boasts the largest production of grapes in Japan. The new variety is characterized by its rich sweetness, which reaches a sugar content of 19 percent, its floral aroma reminiscent of roses, and its crisp texture. Upon biting into a Shine Muscat grape, Vietnam Kun was surprised and said, “You can eat it with the skin on, and it’s juicy.”

Vietnam Kun also went up a 500-meter-high hill called “Budou-no-Oka” (Grape Hill) in Koshu City. Looking out over the area below, he realized he was in the “Fruit Kingdom” and said, “There are vineyards all over the place.” He toured local farms, where he observed grapes carefully cultivated with each bunch individually bagged, recognizing the producers’ deep commitment to high quality.

Photo2: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VZMp6KryGhFEmlPX8CwDSX8UOFL3Iymd/view?usp=drive_link

The area where grape cultivation is flourishing is called the “Kyoutou Region” and is known as the birthplace of Japanese grape cultivation. In 2022, the region’s fruit cultivation was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). This designation honored the region’s agricultural system, which has developed fruit cultivation, including “Koshu” grapes, through unique techniques and has been integrated with the local culture and landscape.

Vietnam Kun then visited a cafe in the Yamanashi Prefectural Museum and enjoyed a parfait topped with Shine Muscat and Sunshine Red grapes. “The whipped cream really brings out the sweetness of the grapes,” he said admiringly. 

Photo3: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m5505WqmcgYBXOpSvuACS613aRc4NVfc/view?usp=drive_link

Daizenji Temple, a Buddhist temple associated with grapes, is located in Yamanashi Prefecture. The temple is nicknamed “Grape Temple” because grape fields have existed within its grounds for a long time, and its principal image, a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, holds a bunch of grapes in its hand. The chief priest explained, “This temple was founded 1,300 years ago, and the Yakushi Hall, where the main image is enshrined, has been designated a National Treasure.”

Photo4: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xo73g2HMfDfocdXHUaoQ28c2DoFytT7j/view?usp=drive_link

Vietnam Kun also visited several sightseeing spots around Mt. Fuji. His tour included Oishi Park, known for the red kochia bushes that color the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, and the Yamanashi Prefectural Fujisan World Heritage Center, where visitors can learn about Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site. He shared a message with his viewers in Vietnam via social media, saying, “Please visit Yamanashi and experience the goodness of Yamanashi.”

“Fruit Kingdom Yamanashi” official website: https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/miryoku/shoku/budo/ 

“Yamanashi to a delicious future” special website: https://www.pref.yamanashi.jp/oishii-mirai/nochikusanbutsu/budou.html 

Source: Yamanashi Prefectural Government