A quick note about the ume（梅), which may be translated as a Japanese plum or apricot as it’s a unique species, sort of a hybrid (those in international marriages with children will get this). Its flowers may be white or pink, and its blossoming, earlier than the cherry and with a far more overwhelming fragrance, is a harbinger of spring. Its fruit is highly astringent so is never eaten raw but may be pickled to make “umeboshi” and is also used to add flavor to grain alcohol to make a sweetish drink called “umeshu.” Its hardy, compact flower is the national symbol of Taiwan. More can be read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_mume - William