13 Words for a Perfect Japanese Summer (part 2)
Natsubate - 夏ばて
Natsubate is the fatigue or exhaustion that many people experience during the hot,
humid Japanese summer. It’s made from the words 夏 (natsu – summer) and ばて (from the verb bateru – to be exhausted). To combat natsubate,
take it easy, stay hydrated, and eat some eel (the Japanese say it gives
you stamina!)
Shochu mimai - 暑中見舞い
This is a wonderful Japanese custom that doesn’t exist in most other countries. In Japan, people send special greetings cards to friends and family in the heat of summer. This is a way to check on their health and make sure they haven’t succumbed to natsubate! This practice is called shochu mimai. The cards are usually sent in the last two weeks of July.
If you want to send one, the traditional greeting is shochu omimai moushi agemasu (暑中お見舞い申し上げます). A similar card sent later in summer (after the first week of August) is called zansho mimai (残暑見舞い).
Himawari - 向日葵
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Himawari are sunflowers. You probably already know that flowers are very
important in Japan and symbols of the changing seasons. Sunflowers
bloom from mid-July to August, and are very popular for their
cheerful and summery look! Many sunflower fields are popular
tourist spots in Japan. Why not have a look if you’re around in
summer? They make a great photo opportunity!
Natsu matsuri - 夏祭り
This is an essential one if you’re spending the summer in
Japan! Natsu matsuri means summer festival. No, it’s not a music and camping festival
like we have in the west. Japanese
祭り(matsuri – festivals)
are traditional events held in every town and village. Each town
celebrates in their own way, but they usually include food stalls,
traditional dances, festival games, and fireworks.
Source: https://teamjapanese.com/13-words-perfect-japanese-summer/
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