According to meteorologists, tsuyu (rainy season) will be upon us a week or two earlier than normal this year and may be slightly longer than average. Sure, the ducks and frogs may be the happiest about this, but fret not: if there is anything positive to take away from the pandemic, we have all mastered the art of amusing ourselves at home with new or improved hobbies.
The characters for tsuyu, meaning ume (Japanese plum) and rain, derive from the fact that ume are ready for harvest at the start of the rainy season. Making umeshu at home is a common seasonal activity with fun results. Artists need not travel far for inspiration from blooming hydrangea. Home chefs should try some of our monthly recipes provided by Charcoal Grill Green. Curling up in a cafe to peruse our magazine is also a very acceptable option. Embrace June’s showers!