Hiroka Hirosaki Central Fruit and Vegetables (Suehiro, Hirosaki) On November 8th, auction of pictured apples from Iwasaki Farm was held.

The pictured apple made by Mr. Chisato Iwasaki of the same garden puts illustrations such as the zodiac (Eto) and Shichifukujin on large varieties such as Mutsu and Stark Jumbo that tend to become red. It is very popular as a lucky charm every year and trades for nearly 100,000 yen. 250 items were exhibited this year.

Pictured apples are made by sticking an illustrated sticker on the surface of the apple. Since only the sun exposed part of the apple turns red, a sticker is attached and colored before it turns red to complete the illustrated apple. It has been continuing since Iwasaki's father, Hiroo, and now his sister Yuko Murata is drawing illustrations.

“I am very grateful for all of this year's purchase,” says Iwasaki. The apple with the illustration of the Seven Lucky Gods was auctioned off for 70,000 yen, and the maximum price of the set with 25 pictured apples on the treasure ship was 100,000 yen.