Japanese citrus

Japanese citrus fruits were first mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihonshoki, compiled in the 700s, and the Man'yōshū and Kokin Wakashū, poetry anthologies compiled in the 700s and 900s, mention the Tachibana orange as a subject of waka poetry and describe its use as a medicinal, ornamental, and incense plant.

Throughout their history, the Japanese have created and cultivated various varieties of citrus fruits, taking advantage of the mild climate that is ideal for growing citrus. In particular, from the 1600s during the Edo period (1603–1868) to the present, various varieties of citrus fruits have been produced, including Unshū, Natsumikan, Hassaku, Iyokan, and Dekopon. At present, Unshū is the most widely grown in Japan, and various cultivars have been developed.

At present, the largest citrus growing areas are located in the prefectures of Wakayama, Shizuoka, Tokushima, Kochi, Oita, Miyazaki and Ehime.