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During late-May, here in the Yokosuka City & Miura Peninsula area, the days start getting warmer, and the trees and plant life are all growing and showing vivid shades of green. Soon, in early-June, a rainy season will begin, which generally lasts until mid-July. The rainy season is called TSUYU (梅雨), which literally means "Plum Rain," and the weather becomes cloudy, wet, and very humid. TSUYU occurs before the real summer heat arrives, so temperatures remain relatively cool -- but the humidity can become uncomfortable, and there are few clear and sunny days. Most Japanese hang-dry their laundry, so close attention is paid to weather reports in order to make best use of the drier days. Also, high humidity can cause problems inside a house, such as build-up of mildew, and Japanese always open-up doors and windows to bring in fresh air, and start to use electric fans and air conditioners -- some of which have a JOSHITSU (除湿, dehumidifier) setting. There are also many types of JOSHITSU products and devices which can be placed, for example, in closets, and used to collect and dispose excess moisture. Besides the battle against humidity, TSUYU is the time when pink and blue Hydrangea flowers (紫陽花 AJISAI) start blooming in many locations, and their beauty is a lovely counterpoint to the sometimes heavy grey skies.

written by Goodfield