Banana Cries Make Nostalgic Comeback:: Fukuoka, Japan:: Moji Port Banana Festival

The lively and fun-filled Moji Port Banana Festival kicked off joyfully on September 19th. Spanning over a month, the event brings a retro vibe to Moji Port, reviving the once-bustling scene of historic “banana auctions,” and allowing visitors to savor tasty banana desserts and creative dishes.

Located in Fukuoka, Moji Port faces Shimonoseki City on Honshu across the Kanmon Strait. It was a renowned international trading port from the Meiji to the Taisho periods and thrived in prosperity. When scientist Albert Einstein visited Japan, he stayed at the Mitsui Club here. The port was also a major hub for frequent trade with China and Taiwan, and the beloved Taiwanese bananas were shipped here from Keelung Port. Back then, without today’s technology or transportation convenience, bananas often got bruised or ripened too early during transit. As soon as they arrived, many merchants would auction them off at low prices, and this unique “banana cry” spectacle became a curious attraction at Moji Port.

In addition to the banana cry events, local restaurants and shopping streets have been creating a variety of banana-flavored cakes, puddings, and ice creams using bananas as the main ingredient. Due to the fame of local bananas and the banana auctions, a “banana man” statue has even been erected at the station, becoming one of the must-photo spots for tourists. Nowadays, Moji Port no longer serves as a trade hub, but to commemorate its unique banana cry tradition, the Banana Festival has been held for ten consecutive years. This year, organizers have invited well-known entertainers and experts to arrange a series of exciting activities, along with a wide selection of local banana-flavored dishes and sweets, aiming to offer visitors an experience of the fun and bustling auction markets of the past. With the cool and pleasant early autumn weather perfect for travel, those planning to visit Northern Kyushu for autumn foliage before October 25th may want to take the opportunity to stop by Moji Port and enjoy this one-of-a-kind banana auction amid the nostalgic ambiance. Article source: Fukuoka Moji Port Banana Festival Kicks Off with Retro Auction Buzz

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