Summers in Japan
Anime fans are no doubt familiar with the sight of anime characters melting into pools of sweat during summer vacation. Or characters fanning themselves frantically for a small reprieve, eating ice-creams to stave off the heat, the wall of noise that is the cicadas or the famous fireworks scene that usually marks the end of summer. Summer in Japan has been captured by anime in many ways, from its severity to festivals, food, and wildlife. But what is the reality of summer in Japan?
I have written a few blogs that have touched on the topic, but after spending my second summer in Japan, I wanted to revisit it. Summers in Japan are notoriously hot in Saga, a temperatures seem to hit 34-39 °C daily. With the “feels like” for both being in the 40s. During the night, things are not much better with temperatures often still being in the thirties. Alongside this heat, one must also contend with the humidity. In the UK, especially more so in recent years, temperatures have been like the ones I just mentioned; however, these are usually limited to a few days or a week at best, and they are never constant. They are usually also accompanied by a slightly lower humidity, though it cannot be described as dry heat.
In Japan, the humidity often hits one hundred on these hotter days, making everything feel wet and hot. I recall trying to dry clothes on my balcony one time back when I was braver and thought the heat would dry the clothes in an hour. But the humidity was so high that they stayed wet.
Japan has one thing that the UK doesn’t and that is aircon. Often, if your friend from the UK is complaining it’s hot, it really is because they must deal with those temperatures without the aid of air conditioning. I love my aircon and wish I could rip it out of the wall and bring it back to the UK with me when I return. Sadly, that’s not possible. But buildings in the UK are older and often insulated very well, so the heat stays trapped inside.
In Japan, aircon is a way of life,. Often walking from the inferno into a convenience store and back out again to be met with a wall of heat is an experience all on its own. As soon as temperatures rise, many of my schools wacked on the aircon at full blast, often making it too cold to type. Japan's summers are one of extremes, from the deadly heat where every day your phone will tell you a heat stroke warning has been issued to people, warning you that going from hot to cold constantly can make you sick.
Heat stroke is becoming a constant, and in one of my schools, they are combating it by eating ice cream. A fun method I fully enjoy.
Japanese summers are also accompanied by parasols and leg, arm and even face protectors, to prevent skin cancers or even tanning, with those more beauty-focused focused trying to cover their skin. Electronic fans are a lifeline, and cooling products will be seen in many different forms.
The sound of Japanese summer will be in full swing over August and that is the sound of the cicadas. A sound that those who watch anime can probably imagine as they read this. This is something anime often nails is the intensity of the sound. I recall playing online with a friend and hearing a noise. After pausing my game to ensure it wasn’t Minecraft and its many wondrous horror-scape of sounds. I boldly told my friend I think my fridge or something is broken. I could hear a seemingly continuous buzzing sound that had me searching high and low around my apartment. The next night, after running out of drink, I decided to waddle to my vending machine outside my apartment, where I heard the sound again. This time on a call with the same friend, I asked, “Can you hear this?”. As I held the phone near the bush, the sound died. The mystery was finally solved; it was grasshoppers. Grasshoppers start slightly earlier than their large companions.
Japanese summers are loud, hot and will leave you feeling sleepy. I also found that my appetite in the heat decreased. Some snacks that can be found during the summer, often at festivals or as seasonal convenience store foods, include frozen pineapple or other various fruits, cucumbers on ice, shaved ice, ice creams, spicy foods and cold ramen.
Japan's summers are challenging, and they are getting longer. Last year, I recalled the summer ending around November. Autumn lasted about a week, and then winter hit. Due to global warming, this trend is continuing this year. This year, Japan saw its hottest summer on record, and recent reports for the changing of the leaves set autumnal changes for late November and early December in some regions.
Those coming to Japan, I advise taking precautions, using sunscreen, bringing parasols and light clothing. Invest in a powerful handheld fan and plan indoor activities to break up exposure to the heat. Wear hats and sunglasses, and carry around water to stay hydrated or even invest in some drinks which aim to replenish electrolytes. Stay safe, and with planning, Japanese summers can be survived and your trip can still be enjoyable.
