Tsuyu: The Japanese Rainy Season

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.