Miyazaki

Miyazaki is located in the southeastern part of the Kyushu region and is characterized by a topography sandwiched between a long coastline facing the Hyuga-nada Sea (Pacific Ocean) and a spinal mountain range. The annual average temperature is about 17 to 18°C, and Miyazaki City has an annual sunshine duration of about 2,200 hours, which is one of the highest nationally. Due to the Kuroshio current, winters are warm with little frost, and greenhouse cultivation of winter-spring vegetables such as Cucumber, Green Pepper, and spinach has developed. In the coastal plains around Nobeoka City and Hyuga City, greenhouse vegetables are the main products, while in the basins and plateaus around Miyakonojo City and Kobayashi City, combined management of livestock and vegetables is commonly seen. The southern part of the Miyazaki Plain around Nichinan City and Kushima City is a major production area for Green Pepper. In mountainous areas such as Takachiho Town, summer-autumn vegetables taking advantage of temperature differences and the fattening of Miyazaki-gyu (beef cattle) are produced. Cucumber production ranks 1st nationally (about 61,700 tons), and it is also a major production area ranking high nationally for Green Pepper. Miyazaki mango (Taiyo no Tamago) is known nationally as a high-sugar-content high-end fruit. Hyuganatsu (citrus) is considered to have originated in Miyazaki, characterized by a refreshing acidity and a unique way of eating where the white albedo is consumed as flesh.

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics (Reiwa 5 / 2023), JMA historical weather data

The biggest characteristic of agriculture in Miyazaki is greenhouse horticulture that fully utilizes the large amount of annual sunshine and mild climate. Ranking 1st nationally in Cucumber production is symbolic of this, and it has become an essential presence in the national market as a vegetable that can be shipped in winter. The high-end mango brand Taiyo no Tamago is noted as a successful example of an agricultural product high-value strategy, and the direction of pursuing unit price rather than volume is reflected in the prefecture's agricultural brand strategy. It stands out that there is a lineup of items with brand power in each field of vegetables, fruits, and livestock, such as having Hyuganatsu, a citrus originating in Miyazaki, and Miyazaki-gyu repeatedly receiving high evaluations at the National Japanese Beef Quality Competition.