EduCareer StaffBlog"Rinjin Blog" | "EduCareer"Supporting your career in English teaching in the Japanese school system

Surviving the Rainy Season

2010/06/15

Some foreigners who come to Japan are treated to the statement "Japan has four seasons". Well, duh, we might think, as most of us come from countries that also have four seasons. But that statement cleverly ignores the fact that Japan has something many of us have never experienced- 梅雨, the rainy season.

According to Japan-Guide.com, the rainy season is "caused by the collision of cold northerly and warm southerly air masses, which results in a relatively stable bad weather front over the Japanese archipelago for several weeks." The rainy season in the Kanto area is expected to last from June 8^th-July 20^th this year, but for those worried about never ending torrents, take heart- on average there are only 12 actual rainy days in the rainy season

The 12 rainy days, however, influence the rest of the month with their humidity. Rainy season requires some special equipment to get through dry and free from mold.

Dry packets- Found in 100 yen stores, these are the same kind of silica packets you often find packet in with manufactured goods to keep them dry. Sticking a few in your drawers, desk, and locker can prevent moldy clothes and warped papers.

Portable umbrellas- Try to find the smallest one you can- not only will it fit easily in a backpack or purse, it won't get caught on other people as much as a full-sized umbrella. Considering even people who usually walk or bike to work will be riding the train on the rainy days, this may be a consideration. These can also be kept in your desk at school in preparation for surprise showers.

カビキラー- Unless you are very lucky, you will be dealing with kabi- mold.　This spray product, aptly named "mold killer", will hopefully take care of it for you. You can find Kabi Killer at most 100 yen shops or supermarkets with other cleaning products.

We're still awaiting verdict on the necessity of rain boots and if dry feet really outweigh the annoyance of encasing your feet in hot heavy rubber. Until then, stay dry! And don't forget to check out the EduCareer Job Board!

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