Suikawari and Summer Watermelon Flavors in Japan!

August brings the peak of summer heat to Japan, driving crowds straight to the local beaches, and while the heat beats down on those in Japan, there's one iconic way many beat the heat: suikawari, or watermelon splitting. It is a staple of Japanese summer culture that directly influences the flavors you find in local supermarkets this time of year.

The rules of suikawari are incredibly simple. A large watermelon is placed on a tarp in the sand. One person is blindfolded, handed a wooden stick, and spun around several times. Friends and family shout directions to guide them toward the fruit so they can smash it open. It is a messy, loud, and fun tradition that ends with everyone sharing the broken pieces of the watermelon right there on the beach.

When it is time to eat the fruit, there is one crucial ingredient that always comes with it. That ingredient is sea salt. Shaking a heavy layer of salt over a fresh slice of watermelon is the standard way to eat it here. The salt replaces the sodium your body loses from sweating in the sun. It also sharply contrasts with the fruit, making the natural sugars taste much sweeter.

This exact flavor combination is what takes over the snack aisles in late summer. Food companies take the sweet and salty profile of a beach watermelon and apply it to daily treats. You will find salted watermelon gummies, chewy candies, and even chocolate cookies filling the shelves. The packaging is always bright red and green. These snacks offer a quick way to experience the taste of a summer beach trip without having to leave the air conditioning.

Whether you're looking for watermelon, salty lemon, or any other flavor to beat the summer heat, you can get a taste of Japan and Japanese culture directly to you, wherever you are. Explore our collection of Japanese treats here!