E-mail Newsletter "HIGHLIGHTING Japan"
https://www.gov-online.go.jp/hlj/en/


VOL. 211 (JANUARY 2026)

◆Japan and Ume◆

The graceful form of the ume (Japanese apricot) tree and the fragrance of its blossoms have long captivated Japanese people since ancient times. The tree
is believed to have been introduced into Japan from China, and has adapted
well to the Japanese climate and culture. It has taken deep root in Japan, not only as an ornamental and medicinal plant, but also as an artistic motif and a
part of food culture. In this issue of HIGHLIGHTING Japan, we feature an
interview with Dr. UTSUNOMIYA Hirotoshi about Japan’s relationship with ume. We also introduce various aspects of ume, including foods, monyo (decorative pattern), ukiyo-e prints, Japanese sweets and a regional revitalization project.


● The Blessings Ume has Brought to Japanese Culture
(Interview with Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine UTSUNOMIYA Hirotoshi)

● Enjoying the Unique Charm of Japanese Apricot Blossoms
(Introducing ways to appreciate Japanese apricot blossoms. There are about
400 varieties of Japanese apricot blossoms in the country, and people can
enjoy viewing them nationwide from December through March)

● Umeboshi: A Traditional Japanese Health Food
(Introducing the production method and benefits of umeboshi (pickled
Japanese apricots) made by salting and sun-drying the fruit. Umeboshi have
been used as medicine and preserved food since the Heian period)

● The Charms of Umeshu: From a Traditional Japanese Household Flavor to a
Drink Enjoyed Worldwide
(Introducing the taste, growing popularity, and global development of
umeshu, a liqueur that is crafted into diverse flavors by artisans and
attracting worldwide attention)

● Spring’s First Flower: Japanese Apricot Blossom Patterns Loved in Japan
(Introducing ume monyo (Japanese apricot blossom patterns), cultural
motifs that symbolize Japanese aesthetics, faith, and seasonal feelings
through expression in various forms)

● Ume in ukiyo-e
(Introducing ukiyo-e prints depicting Japanese apricot blossoms—heralds of
spring that have been cherished by the Japanese people since ancient
times)

● Wagashi with Japanese Apricot Motif in the Tea Ceremony
(Introducing the aesthetics of and ways to enjoy Japanese sweets with
Japanese apricot motifs that are served to host guests at tea ceremonies)

● The Reiwa Dazaifu Ume Project: Ancient Traditions Move into the Future in
Dazaifu, the City of the Japanese Apricot
(Introducing the Reiwa Dazaifu Ume Project in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, which is working to create a regional brand through product
development using fruit harvested from the city’s Japanese apricot trees,
and planting activities)

■POLICY-RELATED NEWS
(Hosting the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and 5th Asian Para
Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026)

■SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY — THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG
LEADERS
(The Development of Diffusion MRI: A Less Invasive Diagnostic Technology
for Cancer)

■DISCOVERING JAPAN THROUGH THE EYES OF JAPANESE INFLUENCERS
(The History of Fermented Foods and Their Connection to the Japanese
People)

■INTRODUCING PRECIOUS TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CULTURE TO THE
WORLD
(The Etiquette of Yabusame: Training and Performance from the Archer’s
Perspective)

■BACK COVER
NATIVE CREATURES OF JAPAN
(Japanese Macaque)

https://www.gov-online.go.jp/hlj/en/january_2026/

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