When I was little I would run outside to catch the buggers, it never crossed my mind to celebrate them. Here, their glow is magical. You can even drink canned beer, eat corn and sausage sticks and devour saucy noodles as you take in the spectacle.
It's bliss created. It seems like there are many instances like this in Japan; there is always something to celebrate.
As I'm sitting here on this white sandy beach basking in the summer sun, swimming in the light blue sea, writing this esoteric entry and frolicking along the embankments of rocks, I think: Is it weird to be doing this alone?
But then I remember that the start of the swimming season festival has yet to come upon us. That's why no one is here. When I asked my Japanese friend if she'd come to the beach with me, she said, "It's still cold for me to swim."
Apparently, it becomes "uncold" precisely on "Umi Biraki", meaning opening of the sea. It is the day when the local governments declare and newspapers publish that, yes, the sea is officially open and it is deemed safe to swim.
At this time the foursomes of families and inflatable inner tubes start hording towards the beaches. That is when the fun can begin. Anything before that and you're just plain crazy.
As for me, I'm enjoying the day at the sea alone. Pushing forward "Opening of the Sea Day," and coupling it with firefly season may not be such a bad idea after all. Wait, then would that mean the fireworks festival would also have to be moved? Nah, that's good right where it is.
(For a brief summary of some of the reasons to celebrate click here )
2 comments:
Umi Biraki - is the English translation Memorial Day (:) Nothing's better than having a beach all to yourself! I need that (:)
actually, Umi Biraki will be a good opportunity to go to the beach :D
but not only that reason that most ppl don't swim this season yet.
it's still cold! I think we have different body temperature between japanese and westerner..! haha
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