The rate of deastringency of persimmon fruits (cv. Bull Heart) increased with raising CO2 concentration in the range of 60-100%. At 25℃ the astringency was almost completely removed, within 2 days after treatment with 100% CO2 for 24-36 hr. CO2 treatment had higher deastringency rate than CaO suspension. Either CaO suspension or 100% CO2 treatment enhanced fruit softening and ethylene production, and the latter treatment was more pronounced. The rate of ethylene evolution of post-CO2-treated fruits was lowered by decreasing O2 concentration. The rate of fruit softening was delayed by sealing the treated fruits into 0.06 mm PE film or film plus ethylene absorbent.