Ume Plums
The flowers of the ume plum are a harbinger of spring. While the winter chill still lingers in Japan, the blossoming of the ume plum is a sign that spring is on the way. At this time of year, famous plum-viewing spots around Japan attract lots of visitors. The ume plum originally comes from China. It is said to have been brought to Japan about 2,000 years ago, along with rice agriculture. The fruit of the ume plum has long been used as food, flavoring, and medicine. And its charming flowers are so loved in Japan that they have been widely employed as a motif in confections, kimono, and crafts. Recently, a number of new businesses based on ume have also blossomed. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is ume plums. We will explore the charms of a tree that has figured prominently in Japanese culture for countless generations.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows
True Detective
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. True Detective centers on troubled cops and the investigations that drive them to the edge. Each season features a new cast and a new case.
True Detective is an American anthology crime drama television series created and written by Nic Pizzolatto.
Shōgun
Shōgun is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.
The Morning Show
Nominated for three Golden Globes®, this unapologetically candid drama looks at the modern workplace through the lens of the people who help America wake up. Pull back the curtain on early morning TV.
The Grand Tour
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May are back with The Grand Tour. A show about adventure, excitement and friendship... as long as you accept that the people you call friends are also the ones you find extremely annoying. Sometimes it's even a show about cars. Follow them on their global adventure.
Survivor
Eighteen to twenty castaways will compete against each other on Survivor. All castaways will compete to outwit, outplay, outlast and ultimately be crowned Sole Survivor.