June 23, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
Anna Omelchenko/Bigstock.com
T
he air is thickening into a soup; even the leaves are damp with sweat, and the cries of the cicadas are growing more desperate with the climbing temperatures. Really, we’re all growing more desperate as Okinawa is entering its oppressively hot stages of summer. So, how do you stay cool in the summer in Japan? Here are a few tips to surviving the swelter (most of these items can be purchased at a ¥100 store): 1. Carry a parasol—everywhere. Leave it to Japan to keep Victorian era fashion…fashionable. (Can this also include afternoon tea?) 2. The answer is yes if it’s barley tea. You’ll often find iced mugicha (Japanese roasted barley tea) served as the complimentary drink in the summertime at restaurants. This is because it’s believed to have cooling properties. 3. Along with parasols, long gloves and big
inside
hats are more than a fashion statement. Skin protection is very important in Japan, and the women, especially, will remain covered up against the sun. Some wear the gloves only while driving, while others keep them on at the beach or anytime they’re outside. 4. Ice pillows. A refreshing Japanese invention: it’s an icepack with an insulated cover that can be used as a pillow. 5. Buy one of those Japanese hand fans. Classy, compact and cool. One day you’ll swear this was the best ¥100 ever spent. 6. Our favorite way to stay cool (and one we are hoping to adopt!): Japan’s Cool Biz fashion. The Japanese government initiated an annual energysaving campaign for the hotter months. Cool Biz encourages workers to shed the typical business attire of suits and ties for open-neck, short-sleeve
Cool Down with a Swim Meet | 3 Independence Day Scuba Sale | 3 Why Does Everyone Wear Those Masks? | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
“Here are a few tips to surviving the swelter...” shirts. This year the campaign is encouraging polo shirts and aloha shirts. How much more appropriate would that be on Okinawa? That is the island life we were hoping for! Looking for other ways to beat the heat? Sign up for a swim meet, details on page 3. The unsuspecting problem with summer—it’s like a meat locker inside! Check out our pick of the week on page 7, featuring ways to beat the freeze.
Pick of the Week: Office Climates | 7 Foster Framing's Christmas in July Sale | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11