The Japanese Experience

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Climate

Due to the geographical nature of Japan and the fact that it is a series of islands that span across various zones, the temperature and weather conditions can vary greatly between cities and regions in Japan from the long, harsh winters of Hokkaido to the semi-tropical climate of Okinawa and Kyushu in the south. For the most part, however, there are 4 distinct seasons which are characterized not only by the change in weather but through cultural activities and variations in food enjoyed at that time.

 

vocabulary Vocabulary
     
Spring HARU listen
Summer NATSU
 listen
Autumn AKI
 listen
Winter FUYU
 listen
Cherry Blossom SAKURA
 listen
Rainy Season TSUYU
 listen
Summer Kimono YUKATA listen
Stalls YATTAI
 listen
Winter Hot Pot Dish NABE listen
     
 

HARU (spring)

Springtime temperatures generally average around 15-20 degrees Celsius in many areas of Japan. The weather conditions are usually crisp and clear and very comfortable. Spring, (March-May), is typically characterized by the famous cherry blossom trees that bloom for about a week during the season. The actual timing depends on the previous winter and the current spring temperatures. Many activities and decorations at this time include the SAKURA or cherry blossom.

spring

NATSU (summer)

Summer, (June-August), is very hot, humid and oppressive. The temperatures can usually average around 25-30 degrees Celsius and the humidity is very high. The summertime is preceded by the TSUYU orrainy season. This often means lengthy periods of steady rainfall, but not violent storms. Following the rainy season is a period of intense heat and then the typhoon season. Here the weather conditions are often more violent, with high wind speeds that can create a lot of damage to urban areas and cause landslides and flooding in rural areas as well.

The summer months are characterized by trips to the seaside and local festivals where fireworks are often displayed and young people dress up in traditional colourful summer kimono called YUKATA. At the festivals, there are many stalls (YATTAI) selling traditional Japanese sweets and snacks. Visitors can also play traditional games, such as fishing for goldfish.

AKI (autumn)

Autumn, (September-November), is usually a very comfortable time of the year with weather conditions and temperatures similar to those of the springtime. Autumn is characterized by the gold, red, amber and browns of the maple leaves as they change from green and begin to fall off the trees. Often the mountain areas are ablaze with the colour of the autumn leaves, making this a popular season for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. 

FUYU (winter)

Winter, (December-February), is cold and very dry. It does not often rain and the skies may be clear, but snow is prevalent in the north and mountain areas and to a lesser extent, in the south. Temperatures often drop below zero during the night and don’t rise very much during the daytime.

A typical winter food is NABE which is like a big hot pot that is enjoyed by many families. Ingredients may vary but the usual list consists of cabbage, tofu, noodles and often fish. It is often cooked at the table in a big ceramic bowl or electric nabe pot while everyone sits around to enjoy the warm soup.

winter

 

conversation Conversation Time
 
With a partner, try the following conversation. Click first listen and listen carefully to the pronunciation. Then listen again, this time repeating the words along with the recording. Then take it in turns to play the different roles. (Ali this is just an example, up to you re content) 
 
Toshi: Hello Fumi, do you think it will rain today?  
 
 
Fumi: No, it is very sunny and hot.  
     
Toshi: I like summer better than winter!

  
     
Fumi: So do I. But in winter we can eat hot pot.
  
     
Toshi: Yes but in summer you can wear the special summer kimono and visit the stalls.
  
     
Fumi: My mother likes Spring because of the cherry blossoms.  
     
Toshi: My father likes autumn because of the colour of the leaves.
  
     
Fumi: It is very pretty then! I think I like all of the seasons.
  

 

Suggested Project Activity

Make a poster that is split into 4 sections explaining the differences between each season. You can print off and use any of the photos from this page or the climate photo page for your poster.

Online Quiz

Finished? Click here to try the online quiz to see how much you remember! When you are finished the quiz, record your score onto the space provided on your worksheet for this unit.

 

 

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