Scenes of summer

It is very hot and humid the Japanese summer so people try many way to cool off.

Green curtain (drape) - A sudare is a bamboo blind placed in front of the balcony doorway. This has been replaced by a new trend of growing vegetables like bitter melons or cucumbers on their balconies. When they grow, they will cut the heat and the sun's rays like a green curtain on the balcony and people can eat them too.



Fuurin - A wind bell (chime) is hung from eaves to create a cooling sound in the wind. This is one of the traditional ways that Japanese use to feel cool in summer. They are usually made of iron, glass or ceramics.



Kaya (Mosquito net) - This is put in the bedroom to avoid mosquito's bites in the summer because people keep windows and balcony doors open.  These days most people are living in an apartment which is smaller than house and use air-conditioners. This will mostly be seen in the country side.



Uchimizu - You will see people sprinkling water around their house in the evenings. As the water evaporates it cools the road and it is also a means of purifying the entrance for visitors and guests.


Using glassware - In Japanese culture, people often change their home's interiors such as curtains, cushion covers, bed lines etc. Being cooler is not enough, it also has to look cooler. Glass bowls and plates are often used in the summer for this reason.



Uchiwa, Sensu (fan) - There are many varieties of uchiwa and sensu. You may receive free uchiwa with an advertisement printed on it from someone on the street. Sensu (Japanese folding fan) come in many varieties from reasonable priced to very expensive crafted ones. The designs and size are different for women and men. It will be a good souvenir.



Parasol, gloves - You will see many woman wearing long gloves and carrying a parasol on a street. This phenomenon starts can be seen from April every year until late October. Many Japanese women don't like getting a suntan. ( I personally think that some women are overprotecting themselves from the sun.) It is said that black will cut the most UV so it is a popular colour for parasols in Japan.


Cool bottom quilt sheet - This modern technology is a cool sheet which you put on the bed mattress. According to the advertisement it will release your body heat to the air quickly. I've never used it but summer is becoming hotter each year so I might buy one and see how I feel.