The harvesting of brand nashi pears has kicked off in Shiraoka City, Saitama Prefecture, neighboring Tokyo.
The city has been a major pear-growing area in the prefecture since the Meiji era, from the late 19th through the 20th Century. Farms there are currently harvesting the Kosui brand pears.
One of the farmers, Saito Naoyuki, began picking the fruit in his orchard, which spans more than 30 ares, at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius across the prefecture, he wore clothing equipped with small fans to prevent heatstroke.
Saito said he was concerned that the strong sunlight may have caused discoloration, but was relieved to find that the pears were beautifully colored and juicy. He said he hopes that the delicious pears will help people get through the hot summer.
The harvesting of the Kosui brand pears will continue through mid-August. It will be followed by the harvesting of other varieties, including the Hosui brand.