Introduction

We would like to introduce to you the relationship between Japanese culture and the main ingredient in UME-fruit liqueurEME. The UME is a popular fruit that has been enjoyed in Japan since ancient times and is deeply rooted in the Japanese lifestyle and psyche. We would like you also to feel and understand the special place that the UME has in the hearts of the Japanese.

UME blossoms appear in the harsh and bitter cold of February before any other flower and give off such a resplendent aroma that its arrival on the scene is met with joy and festivities. Because the kimono, Japan’s traditional form of clothing, is worn oftentimes during festivals and for celebrations, cloth patterns that feature the lucky UME blossoms are well-known and a standard item in kimono shops. UME come in red and white varieties and the red UME, boasting a light red tone with a hint of purple, is especially one of Japan’s traditional colors and truly loved by many. During the Heian Era, about one thousand years back, kimonos were tinted with this reddish UME color and, by wearing kimonos of other colors as well, these ancient people enjoyed a fashionable custom of color coordination. During the eras that followed, it is said that the wearing of this particular color was forbidden to common folk. This shows just how much of a noble and beautiful color it was believed to be. In the present day, the chances one has to put on and show off her, or his, kimono are few and far between. Nevertheless, UME blossom patterns as well as the reddish UME color adorn accessories and small articles of fashion and continue to be loved by many.


	Origami, one of the many children’s games passed down from olden times, is the skillful folding of paper into various shapes. Originally, it was done using only white paper, however, about four centuries ago, people began playing this game with paper printed with beautiful color patterns. This paper is called “chiyogamiEand the first of its kind is said to have been white Japanese paper printed with the traditional tint patterns of Kyoto. Because UME blossom patterns are considered good fortune and because the reddish UME color is so beautiful, they have frequently been featured in chiyoda paper varieties. Found most often are the rounded petals and pistils of UME blossoms used in paper pattern designs.







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