Rainy Season and the Joy of Cooking With Plums

The most peaceful season in Japan

Illustrations: Kaki Okumura

While some people might think the rainy season evokes feelings of gloom, it actually carries my most peaceful and quiet memories. The popular travel destinations are much less crowded, and the streets are less rowdy — a grace period after cherry blossom season and before the onset of summer vacationers, the weather seemingly…