Japan's "King of Melons" production faces a critically declining number of producers. Experts warn this could lead to detrimental effects on the market and rural communities dependent on the lucrative melon industry. Efforts to tackle the problems are underway, including measures to promote melon farming among the younger demographic and support existing farmers.

In Japan, high-end fruit like the Yubari King melons, known as the "King of Melons," is not only a part of the daily gastronomy but is also seen as an ideal gift during special occasions due to their premium price and exquisite flavor. This is why the dwindling number of melon farmers is a significant concern which relates to Japanese culture, economy, and food security.

In the US, there is an analogous situation in rural communities, where aging farmers struggle to find successors, threatening the viability of certain food productions. Efforts such as encouraging young people to consider farming and offering apprenticeship programs to potential farmers mirror Japan's initiatives to address this issue.