In two weeks, the sakura will start to blossom, luring admirers from the five continents. But don't forget that this is the blossoming ume plum-trees that really open the hanami season in Japan. Shy, discrete, perfumed ume flowers that the Japanese were...

Against the ice storm, winds, and heavy snow weighing on the trees, the delicate plum flower is blossoming anyway. Because she's brave. She's a valiant little flower. She can do it. Her strong heart and discrete beauty will prevail. From Higashi-Matsubara...

This is the second snowy week-end in Tokyo this month. Pretty rare. With 30 cm snow and more on the street, making your way in Tokyo became the fanciest local Olympic discipline. A new kind of triathlon including diving, skiing, and jumping to reach your...

In old Japan, the shy and perfumed plum tree flowers (梅, ume) were venerated even more than the gorgeous sakura. With their round blossoms and their sweet smell, they meant the end of the winter, the very first step towards spring. Nowadays, the tradition...