Summer in Japan always starts with rainy days. Because it is also the season when the Japanese apricot (ume) ripens, the Japanese call it “tsuyu” (or “baiyu”) which literally means “plum rain”.

The rainy season usually begins in early June and ends in mid July.

This year, it has started a week early. It’s been raining since yesterday.

This is the season when it gets humid.

… and the days are gray and gloomy.

Umbrellas are everywhere.

Welcome to Japan’s rainy season.