Rainy Season

I was going to blog about the rainy season in Japan, explaining how much it sucks, how my hair thinks so too, and how it makes you want to stay inside and do nothing. The above picture doesn't look so terrible, though, does it? We'll just attribute that to the talented photograher (gino) and I'll continue to tell you about how the dreaded rainy season really is dreadful. Not that I have much room to complain, given all the flooding on the east coast, but I'll go ahead anyway.

Japan's rainy season usually starts in early June and ends in middle July except in the Hokkaido region. It is caused by the seasonal rain front which stays above Japan between tropical high pressure and Siberian cold high pressure. Since Hokkaido does not have a rainy season, its weather tends to be nicer than other areas at this time.

The main problem during tsuyu (the rainy season) is the humidity. Bathing and showering is often the quick fix to keep comfortable. At this time, futons easily cover with mold, making it a must to air closets and houses out when the sun shines. Due to high costs, energy consumption and no central air, using an air conditioner in Japan is a luxury and not a given. In a society where people don't even bat an eye at raw beef, chicken, and of course fish, during the rainy season there are an increase in cases of food poisoning. Watch out all you at-home sashimi eaters. Don't leave your fish out too long.


Although tsuyu is a gloomy time, the rain is very important for rice cultivation. Also, there are many pretty flowers blooming at this time. One of them is ajisai (hydrangea) which is a symbol of the rainy season in Japan. The flower changes its color slightly depending on the time or climate of the day. The iris is another beautiful flower which blooms during tsuyu. You can view irises in many gardens and parks around Japan. After all, viewing pretty flowers makes us feel better during gloomy rainy days.

Or, as a last resort, you can always flee the country. That's what Gino and I are doing today. Seoul, Korea - here we come!