Chiba Prefecture, including Funabashi City, is the number one producer of pears in Japan.
 In Japan, most pears that are grown are "Japanese pears," which are a different species from the "European pears" that are eaten in the West.These pears are characterized by their juicy flesh that contains much moisture and their crunchy texture. Because they do not keep for a long time, they are few chances for them to be eaten outside of Japan, thus they have become a hidden gem of Japanese cuisine.
 They are in season from late July to early October, and can be bought in farmer's shops, fruit and vegetable shops, supermarkets etc.