In Japan, the weather isn't just a topic of conversation to fill an awkward silence. Here, rain, wind, and even clouds have an impact on daily life far more than you might imagine. Each season, a weather phenomenon becomes the national star: the Japanese have learned to adapt their lifestyle, their wardrobe, and even their state of mind. And you'll see, the relationship between the Japanese and the weather is serious!
1. Rainy season (Tsuyu): Get your umbrellas ready, it's going to be wet!
In Japan, the rainy season, or tsuyu , arrives in June and lasts about a month. This is the time when the country is literally drenched in rain from morning to night. Umbrellas become an extension of the body, and stores offer all sorts of gadgets to survive the wet season: ultra-light umbrellas, waterproof shoes, and even umbrella covers to keep the inside of the train from getting wet.
What is fascinating is that the Japanese do not see rain as a mere nuisance. Tsuyu has an almost poetic quality, evoking melancholy, nostalgia, and the misty landscapes of Japanese prints. Some even take the opportunity to go out and admire the hydrangeas in bloom, which are at their most beautiful in the rain.
2. The omnipresent weather: When every drop of rain is announced in detail
If you're visiting Japan, you'll quickly notice one thing: the weather is everywhere. From screens in the subway to bulletins on TV, weather forecasts are extremely detailed. Each neighborhood, each street, can have its own weather report. The slightest change is reported, and the Japanese adapt their day accordingly.
But why such precision? The answer is simple: the weather influences everything . Farmers need it for their crops, fishermen for their safety at sea, and even city dwellers need it to know whether or not to take an umbrella. And typhoons, which hit Japan in the summer, require constant vigilance. In Japan, you don't joke about the weather; you consult it like a wise man.
3. Umbrellas, national stars
In Japan, the umbrella is as essential an accessory as a mobile phone. They are everywhere: in convenience stores, in subway stations, and even in vending machines! Every Japanese person has an umbrella at home, and not just one: a classic umbrella, a transparent umbrella for light showers, and even mini folding umbrellas for light outings. Transparent umbrellas, sold for a few hundred yen, are particularly popular, because they allow you to see where you are going while staying dry.
Offices and shops are also equipped with umbrella stands to keep floors from getting soggy. And if you think you can do without them, think again: a foreigner without an umbrella in the rain is sure to attract sympathy (and puzzled looks) from the Japanese.
4. Typhoons: A season in its own right
Every summer, Japan enters typhoon season . These tropical storms bring strong winds and torrential rains that disrupt daily life. Weather reports are crucial, as a typhoon can lead to evacuations, road closures, and massive transportation delays.
But where a foreigner might panic, the Japanese are surprisingly zen. Typhoons have become almost a regular occurrence, and locals know exactly what to do: close shutters, tie up flying objects, and stay indoors. Schools and offices may even close to prevent accidents, turning a typhoon day into a kind of impromptu holiday… provided you stay indoors, of course.
5. Sakura and the Weather: When Cherry Blossoms Become a National Affair
Weather doesn't just play a role in rainy days or typhoons; it also influences the most anticipated time of the year: the cherry blossom (sakura). Every year, at the end of winter, Japan holds its breath waiting for the weather report that will announce the start of the blossoming, information so important that it is relayed nationwide.
The weather has a direct impact on the timing of the blooms: a mild and early spring means an earlier bloom than expected, while a cold spring can delay it. The Japanese plan their hanami (picnics under the cherry blossoms) according to the weather, and each bloom day is closely monitored so as not to miss this ephemeral beauty. Because yes, the sakura only last about a week… so it’s a real floral sprint.
Conclusion: Weather, an (almost) national passion
In Japan, weather is much more than just an indicator of rain or shine. It is deeply rooted in the daily life and culture of the Japanese. Each season, each type of climate, becomes a source of inspiration, tradition, and even poetry. So, the next time you find yourself in pouring rain in Japan, remember: behind every drop, there is a whole story!
