It looks like you're using an ad blocker.

To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites.

Thank you for supporting our journalism.

Anyone who works with fruit will agree that the adage about Japan’s distinct four seasons lacks nuance. Far from being in season for broad swaths of time, fruit only reach their peak flavors for a month or so out of the year — making it critical to enjoy them while you can.

Blue honeysuckle, or haskap as it’s known in the Ainu language, is an early summer berry common in the north of the country and is available during a small window in mid-July — though they’re still delicious frozen.

This could be due to a conflict with your ad-blocking or security software.

Please add japantimes.co.jp and piano.io to your list of allowed sites.

If this does not resolve the issue or you are unable to add the domains to your allowlist, please see this support page.

We humbly apologize for the inconvenience.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.

Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ

U.S. launches formal talks with Indo-Pacific countries on new economic framework

Queen Elizabeth’s death comes at moment of great uncertainty for Britain

Planning for the end of Elizabeth’s reign began at the beginning

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, dies at 96

As Japan's neighbors ramp up offensive capabilities in cyberspace, SDF aims to bolster defense

Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division.

The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved.