To obtain the quantitative and qualitative data available for estimating the intake of carotenoids from fruits in Japan, carotenoids were analyzed with reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ten carotenoids were examined in 1/ raw fruits and +/ processed fruits, all of which were harvested or purchased in Japan. Phytoene was detected in /2 of 3* fruit samples; z-carotene, in /* of 3* ; lycopene, in +- of 3*; a-carotene, in +2 of 3*; lutein, in /0 of 3*; b-carotene, in 2* of 3*; b-cryptoxanthin, in 02 of 3*; zeaxanthin, in /2 of 3*; all-trans-violaxanthin, in // of 3*; and 3-cis-violaxanthin, in .1 of 3* samples. Citrus fruits of the mandarin type (Satsuma mandarin and its hybrids, such as tangor) were rich in b-cryptoxanthin, b-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 3-cis-violaxanthin; 'Star ruby' grapefruit in lycopene; loquat, Japanese persimmon, and peach in b-cryptoxanthin, b-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 3-cis-violaxanthin; mango in b-carotene, all-trans-violaxanthin, and 3-cis-violaxanthin; acerolas in phytoene; passion fruits in z-carotene. Carotenoid levels in common fruits, such as apple, grape, lemon, pear, strawberry, kiwifruit, cherry, pineapple, and banana, were low.