A pair of Yubari melons were sold for 1.5 million yen ($12,400) at an auction in Japan. The winning bid was placed by a local fruit wholesaler, and the high price reflects the prestige associated with the fruit. Yubari melons are considered a status symbol in Japan and are often bought as gifts. While melons are not the only expensive fruit in Japan, with a single apple costing over $3, the high prices at auction are typical for the opening of the season.