SPRING IS NEARLY THERE (JAPAN)

Miura san sent me this beautiful plum blossom picture taken near his home in Saitama prefecture, last week. This is the "Prunus mume" commonly known as Japanese Apricot. It normally blooms when Spring is near. It is also known as Ume "梅" or "うめ". Many Spring festivals often feature "ume" blossoms, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of a new season. Cherry blossom or Sakura is not too far from now.

I hope this Spring will bring cheers to the people of Japan and an early recovery after the horrible earthquake and tsunami.