
There is, obviously, an unending supply of anime available for your viewing pleasure in Japan. Whether you want giants, cyborgs, or balls from dragons, there’s something for everyone. But one of the most popular shows right now is the high-school-idol series Love Live!. The anime has proven so popular, it even inspired a bizarre recruiting tweet from the Japan Self-Defense Forces last year and this massive back-piece tattoo earlier this summer.
Recently, a main character of the show, Honoka, had her birthday, and a dedicated Japanese Twitter user’s mother carved this surprisingly detailed piece of watermelon art in celebration.
Though it’s not quite as awkward as some of the photos tweeted on the birthday of Reiner from Attack on Titan, this photo does show just how dedicated some fans of the series can be. We can’t imagine how much patience it took to craft this nearly perfect piece of watermelon art…
▼More time than we would have been willing to give up…
https://twitter.com/koma5mepipeto/status/363313592625414145/
“Happy birthday, Honoka-chan! This birthday watermelon was carved for you. (By my mother! LOL) #lovelive”
Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, you have to admit that this is some pretty damn good work. We’re really starting to wish more folks in Japan took up pumpkin carving during Halloween–we bet we’d see some amazing jack-o-lanterns.
Japanese commenters were delighted by the watermelon art.
“This is amazing! You can really feel the craftsmanship that went into this.”
“Is this the true power of stay-home-mothers?”
“I tip my hat to this mother!”
“Wow!! She’s a high-spec mother!”
“This is the work of an absolute pro!”
“Oh, what a waste! Now you can’t eat the watermelon.”
Sigh. Some people just can’t appreciate good art, can they?
We’re a little late this year, but if you’re in the mood for celebrating Honoka’s birthday, you could always buy yourself some presents. We’re sure she’d want you to have some Love Live! goods like this smartphone cover, a new pair of shoes, or this incredible (and slightly insane) car! And if you’re thinking Love Live! is too childish for a mother to be enjoying, well, we’re sure Mr. Tomoyuki Oka might have a few choice words for you, like “punch” and “spine breaking.”
Source and image: Hamusoku

Japanese dad wows internet with amazing watermelon art
Attack on Titan-melon! Japanese mom creates replica of anime’s Colossal Titan out of watermelon
What would idol series Love Live! have looked like as a late 1980s anime? Awesome, fan art shows
Beautiful bag designed by leather craftsman specially for carrying watermelons is a work of art
A stone-engraver impresses with Love Live gravestones and wine bottles 【Photos】
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo announces cosplay ban
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
McDonald’s Japan’s new Chiikawa Happy Meal figures are here![Photos]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Anime idols going abroad as Love Live! movie announced for release in U.S., 12 other territories
30 hours of pumpkin carving! The making of my anime fan art jack-o’-lantern【Photos & video】
Love Live! fans clash with feminists again over controversial poster, this time advertising tea
The families of Dragon Ball – look who’s been left out of love again
Manga pro’s sixth-grade son floors the Internet with his amazing manga art
Hamtaro in hiding? Japanese internet notices mysterious disappearance of cute character’s Twitter
Otaku in Western Art: Hilarious viral hashtag finds geeks hiding in classic masterpieces