Japanese plum day and the origin of "Tsuyu"

Today, and June 6th annually, is "Ume" Japanese plum Day 梅の日 (Ume no hi). The anniversary was established by the Kishu Tanabe Ume Promotion Council to honor the deep cultural and agricultural importance of plums in Japan.

The date of the anniversary comes from a historical event recorded in 1545, when offerings of plums were made at the Aoi Festival. According to tradition, rain fell afterward, blessing the fields and bringing a rich harvest.

Moreover, this connection between plums and life‑giving rain is also linked to the word 梅雨 (tsuyu), which literally means “plum rain”, the rainy season that begins around this time of year. 

The day encourages people to appreciate the many roles' plums play in Japanese life: from umeboshi and ume syrup to medicinal uses and the famous Kishu Nanko‑ume, considered one of the finest varieties.

Plum Day also highlights the long history of plum cultivation in Wakayama, where the fruit remains a symbol of resilience, health, and early summer abundance. Do you like "Ume" Japanese plums? What way do you consume them?