Encounter and Branch

The "Ume (Japanese apricot)" is related with Japanese culture deeply.

There is the pickled ume (Umeboshi) in the everyday eating habits.
The seal of the ume is a venerable family crest.
The ume was one of the important subjects of the 31-syllable Japanese poem (waka) from the ancient times.




As admiration. As practical use.
In the Far East, the ume has been used in various purposes.

The sound of this "UME" words symbolizes Japan.




I am honored that I was able to introduce ume blossom and tree to all of you.

You can look at the pentagon in the center of this flower.
It is the farewell sign of the ume blossom to you.

Until the next year...




吹く風をなにいとひけむ梅の花　散りくる時ぞ香はまさりける
　凡河内躬恒 (859-925) : 拾遺集

Why will you mind wind to blow?
Because the Ume blossom is most fragrant elegantly at the time to be scattered.
　Ōshikōchi Mitsune (859-925) : Shūi Wakashū