Tsuyu - the Japanese Rainy Season

In most of Japan, the rainy season runs from the beginning of June to mid-July. However, it is experienced differently across the country and the further west you go, the higher the chance of heavy rain. As in other parts of Asia, this time of year has its own special traditions and cultural significance. In Japan it is known as tsuyu or plum rain.

Plum rain season in East Asia

The phrase plum rain may actually have originated in China. There was an ancient belief that when the plums ripened and fell in the south of the Yangtze region, moisture would evaporate from the fruit trees and turn into rain! Japanese society later adopted the phrase, as the rainy season also coincides with the ripening of plums in Japan. The Japanese plum harvest still takes place at this time of year and has strengthened the cultural connection between seasonal weather events and local agricultural practices. 

Tsuyu season in Japan

Near the beginning of tsuyu is Plum Day, celebrated across Japan on 6th June. Plums are very popular and are an important ingredient in a variety of Japanese dishes and drinks. Most importantly they are pickled to make umeboshi. As mentioned in a previous post, umeboshi and the plum colour both have great cultural significance in Japan. Deepen your knowledge of Japanese culture with us and read more about the traditions and history of the nation on our news pages.