Jewels of The Japanese Fruit Market

A unique fruit shop in Tokyo and its museum-worthy display is a curiosity worth a visit when in Japan.

During my second day in Tokyo, on a visit in December 2019, I met the 45-year-old Rajendra Prasad Challisse in his store Maya Bazar, the biggest Indian grocery store in Tokyo, two blocks across the road from our apartment. Since then, it became my adda for hobnobbing. Maya Bazar carried the wholesale and retail inventory of Indian spices, rice, flours, pickles, savories, sweets, and everything else an Indian needed in the kitchen. His customers include retailers, restaurants, and many Japanese residents from all over Japan. So that time, when you find it challenging to get even vegetable sandwiches, it was like an oasis in the desert for me. 

Rajendra Prasad hails from Nepal. The title ‘Challisse’ was conferred on their ancestors by virtue of their ability to learn 40 slokas of Vedas in one day. He learned Japanese and got into tourism. Then cupid struck, and he married a Japanese woman visiting Nepal and migrated to Japan some 20 years ago.

In a casual conversation, I asked him why fruits are expensive in Japan.

“Which fruit?” he asked.

“Apples cost Rs.300 each,” I said.

He smiled and said: “If you think Rs.300 for an apple is expensive, you must visit the Simbekiya fruit parlor in Tokyo. It will make you rethink your perception of expensive fruit.”

My curiosity was stirred, and my interest was piqued. So, on the 15th of December morning, after visiting the Sensoji Temple (Tokyo’s largest, most colorful, and famous temple) and Tokyo SkyTree (the second-highest tower in the world), we headed for the 185-year-old Simbekiya Fruit Parlor in downtown Tokyo.

We were a little early and had to wait for the shop to open. A queue of people had already started to form. Once the store opened, we walked in and were dazzled by the entire in-store experience. An exquisite store that looked more like a high-end, fine jewelry outlet, with sharply dressed, sophisticated staff eager to educate and serve visitors on their unique offerings. Their offerings were precious alright, ‘jaw-droppingly’ precious:

<b>Musk melon - Rs.18,000 each.</b>
Musk melon - Rs.18,000 each.
<b>Strawberries - Rs. 10,000 for a box of 30 pieces.</b>
Strawberries - Rs. 10,000 for a box of 30 pieces.
<b>Apples: - Rs. 1,283 each.</b>
Apples: - Rs. 1,283 each.
<b>Mixed Basket - Rs. 36,000 for a box of one piece each of muskmelon, apple, kiwi, tomato, orange, lemon, papaya, etc.</b>
Mixed Basket - Rs. 36,000 for a box of one piece each of muskmelon, apple, kiwi, tomato, orange, lemon, papaya, etc.
<b>Orange this amazing?</b>
Orange this amazing?

 There are times when you are not quite sure whether you are shopping for fruit or jewelry.

They tell me that a Sheikh from the Middle East comes in his private jet every month and takes home whatever fruit is available in that season.

Japanese use it as a dessert, not a snack, maybe because it is sweeter than sweet. Founded 182 years ago, Sembikiyas specialize in deluxe gift boxes and baskets, which account for 98 percent of its sales. Fruit destined for gift-giving at this level must be perfectly ripe, delicious, and flawless in appearance. If you are interested in knowing the scientific methods, skills, and labor that go into cultivating this delicious speciality fruit, may visit the Sembikiya website: www.sembikiya.co.jp/lang/en

Sembikiya fruit was beyond our means. We were happy with the apples at Rs.300 each available in the shop across the road, which almost looks similar. If I walked down the street some 200 meters to another vegetable vendor, I could get it for Rs.200 each without compromising the quality and taste. On the brighter side, each apple in Japan weighed half a kg because of the high water concentration, as all other fruits do - juice drips at every bite.

Is there a unique travel experience you would like to share with us? Share in the comments below or email us on connect@silvertalkies.com

All images courtesy: Ramana Sista 

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About the author

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Ramana Sista

Ramana Sista is an octogenarian and retired as the Vice President of a chemical industry. He has worked all over the country and likes to travel. He likes to read and Ayn Rand, Arthur Hailey, Alistair Maclen, Edwin Lefevre and John Grisham are some of the authors gathering dust in his bookshelf. He listens to music across all genres. His favourite singers are his nieces, the famous Carnatic duo, Priya Sisters. He enjoys playing Chess and Bridge as long as he has the upper hand, whether it's the computer set to its lowest level of intelligence or a friend trying to learn the game. As you have guessed by now, he loves subtle humour. Mr Sista is a member of the Silver Talkies Club.

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Comments

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Pushpa

01 Dec, 2023

after going through your Tokyo experience i t is beyond limit to buy any thing any fruits. i am happy whatever we produce in our land but to have knowledge i m interested dr pushpa srinivas to ramannaji

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Kamala Relekar

28 Feb, 2023

Interesting to know the facts. Narrated very well. Thank you Ramana Sir.

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G

20 Oct, 2022

impressive presentation/display...

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Rema Radhakrishnan

19 Oct, 2022

Interesting facts . Thanks sir

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Dr.Padma.

19 Oct, 2022

This article is something different & impressed me.Interesting informations. colourful pictures..Thanks to Mr.Ramana .

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Christopher

18 Oct, 2022

Interesting, Sir

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A.N.R.Rao.

18 Oct, 2022

Very nice Ramana garu ,I felt as if I am in Tokyo .Thankyou. AN.Rajeashwar Rao ,IDL.

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