Is a pineapple a good gift in Japan?

I think Japanese people like Whiskey like Johnnie Walker. 

I'm Japanese.

Ummm...well...pineapple as a gift, this is not such a bad idea. Especially if you come from a country where pineapples are a major agricultural product.

But no, let's be honest.

Pineapples are a rather bewildering choice to receive as a gift.

Frankly speaking, I would recommend that you go for something else.

The foods that Japanese people tend to choose as gift are those that are difficult for the recipient to obtain, or are considered to be expensive or take a lot of effort to grow.

This sends a message to the person you are giving it to that "You deserve something of that value for me.

Unfortunately, pineapples don't give either of these impressions. At least not as of 2021.

It wasn't until 70 years ago that pineapples were an appreciated luxury gift.

Pineapples are now a familiar fruit, readily available in supermarkets almost everywhere in Japan. There is no pineapple known as a luxury brand.

Therefore, the person to whom you are giving the gift will definitely be confronted for the first time in his or her life with the idea of using pineapple as a gift.

It will probably baffle your friend.

If you are confident about the taste of the pineapple you have chosen as your gift, and it is something you are proud of, then don't be afraid to give it as a gift.

Then you should tell your friend the story.

I'm sure the story will please he/she and do become a memory.

However, if you don't have such a story in mind, another option would be safer and less awkward for both of you.

I'm sorry that I might hurt you by frankly revealing what I thought when I read your question.

I just want to say one last thing.

Who in the world is spouting lies like "pineapples are not commonly found in Japanese grocery stores" or "a cantaloupe costs on the average $200 each"?

None of this is true.

Nothing wrong with it, but they can buy it in Japanese department stores easily enough. A melon is the typical gift if you're going to give fruit. Some are 10,000+ yen in fact, but those are meant to be given as gifts and they are lovingly grown. Most are not like that. Only an idiot would say all Japanese pay that much when they want to eat one.

There are no specific holiday for pineapple giving.  But giving fruits as a gift (especially to someone who is or have ill) is customary. Fruits are expensive compared to other food items. In a nation where a cantaloupe costs on the average $200 each, this a serious gift

I don't see any problems giving a fresh pineapple as a gift because they are not commonly found in Japanese grocery stores, and the more uncommon a gift, the more it is appreciated.  And if you can't find fresh pineapples, gift a cantaloupe instead.

Sounds good but a melon would be better. Sending a melon as a gift is kind of common practice in Japan when it comes to fruit gifts. 

It's better than bringing cabbage.

It is, but I would recommend pineapple cakes.