In
Japan during the month of June and July it is considered rain season
or Tsuyu (梅雨).
In the West we think of the word monsoon
when we think of Asia's rainy season. For Americans thinking of
places like Seattle and Portland's constant rain help to understand
what it is like here during this time. Most of Japan is greatly
impacted by these extended rains with the exception being Hokkaido to
the far north. Often times people choose to stay indoors leading to
economic activity as well as travel being limited. Some weeks can
include constant rain while others are generally humid with constant
drizzles. On the negative side many hazards such as flooding and
landslides often occur in various areas. This year alone millions of
yens worth of damage as well as many deaths have already occurred.
Here is an article summarizing what has happened this year so far. The government has increasingly become more involved in organizing
help to ravaged areas in the form of manpower and financial
assistance. Also, it cannot be forgotten, that these damp conditions
lead to rapid growth of mold as well as many varying sicknesses from
barometric pressure changes. It can be said that these conditions
have impacted Japanese culture as a whole.
For one these
conditions allow for Japan's rice crops to flourish. Rice is well
known for its need to have an abundance of water as well as humid
type conditions to thrive. Rice has been the bedrock of Japanese
civilization for generations. Historically, depending on the crops
each year the nation would succeed or fail. Much of the country
appears to be a jungle-like climate complete with lush vegetation,
rivers, ponds, lakes, and all of the wild-life associated therein.
These dense jungle-like conditions combined with Japanese folklore
about spirits may be a reason as to why Japanese people do not seem
to be too adventurous as a whole when it comes to exploring nature.
The rain season has also led to Japanese being a more reflective
people leading to great interest in poetry in times past. It could
also be that these long rain season contributes to depression and
mental issues that have often characterized the Japanese experience
in recent times.
Though in modern
times it does not seem that the average Japanese person has as much
time to themselves as in times past, the rain season does thankfully
allow for time to read and contemplate ideas. More open-minded
Japanese people can use this time to read and watch videos about
spiritual matters in particular. In recent times following a long
Covid19 season beginning last January, the rain season has appeared
to be particularly long. It seems that this season as well as growth
of Covid19 this month has started to weigh down heavily on people
looking for some kind of end in sight. Japanese people are really
looking for answers, purpose for life, and reasoning about God. When
finances, travel, friends, and peace have been taken away, what
remains? Please pray for them to seek the truth during this rare time
in life when the “normal routine” has ended.
