May 2026 is coming to an end already. I hope you’ve all had a wonderful month! How has your Japanese learning been going lately? Did you start something new, keep up your daily practice, or perhaps challenge yourself in a different way?
Here in Tokyo, some days are already starting to feel like summer. I’ve heard that in some parts of Europe, including France, temperatures have already climbed above 35°C (95°F)! What has the weather been like where you live?
To prepare for the upcoming Japanese summer, I’ve recently bought a few items to help me survive the heat. One of them is a new UV-cut hat, and I absolutely love it. When the sun is especially strong, I can really feel the difference when I’m wearing it.
Another item I bought is a pair of cooling arm covers. At first glance, they might seem like they would make you even hotter, but the material is actually designed to feel cool against your skin. They protect my arms from the sun while helping me stay comfortable at the same time.
If you’re in Japan—or planning to visit during the summer—you’ll quickly discover that there are countless products designed to help people get through the intense heat. Here are a few popular ones:
1. Neck Cooler
This is one of the most popular summer items in Japan. Some neck coolers contain a special material that stays cool for a surprisingly long time after being chilled in the refrigerator. You simply wear it around your neck, and it helps lower your body temperature little by little. It’s especially useful when you’re walking outside or waiting for a train.
2. Sun Umbrella
Many people in Japan use sun umbrellas (including me!), even on perfectly sunny days. Unlike a regular umbrella for rain, a sun umbrella is designed to block UV rays and reduce the heat from direct sunlight. Standing under one can make you feel several degrees cooler, which is a huge relief during the hottest months.
3. Mini Handy Fan
You’ve probably seen people carrying these everywhere in summer. These small rechargeable fans fit easily into a bag and provide a personal breeze whenever you need it. They’re simple, practical, and surprisingly effective while commuting or standing outside. (And yes, I have one too.)
4. Fan-Installed Vest
This one always fascinates visitors to Japan. Small electric fans are built directly into the sides of the vest, continuously circulating air around your body. You’ll often see construction workers, delivery drivers, and outdoor staff wearing them, but they’re becoming popular with ordinary people as well.
5. Sweat-Wiping Sheets
These are another Japanese summer staple. They’re individually packaged wet wipes that help remove sweat, refresh your skin, and often leave a cooling sensation behind. Some even contain menthol, which makes you feel instantly refreshed after spending time outdoors.
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Speaking of summer, one thing I always find interesting is how different countries deal with hot weather. In Japan, stores start stocking entire sections dedicated to cooling products. You’ll find cooling sprays, cooling pillows, cooling blankets, cooling shirts, and even cooling body washes. Sometimes it feels like there is a cooling version of absolutely everything!
At the same time, summer in Japan can be quite beautiful. The season brings fireworks festivals, colourful yukata, summer foods, and long evenings. Personally, I’m not a big fan of extreme heat, but I do enjoy many of the traditions that come with the season.
One thing I look forward to every year is summer food. Cold noodles, chilled tofu, kakigoori (shaved ice), refreshing watermelon, and mint-flavoured treats (I’m a big fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream!) somehow make the heat a little easier to tolerate. It’s amazing how certain foods become associated with specific seasons.
As we move into June, I hope you’ll continue finding enjoyable ways to include Japanese in your daily life. It doesn’t always have to be intensive study. Sometimes listening to a podcast during a walk, reading a few pages of a book, or watching a short video can be enough to maintain momentum.
Language learning is often less about dramatic breakthroughs and more about small, consistent steps over time. Even when it feels like you’re not making progress, those small daily efforts are usually adding up more than you realise.
I’d love to hear from you: How do people stay cool during the summer where you live? Do you have any unique products, foods, or traditions for dealing with hot weather?
Image by 🌼Christel🌼 from Pixabay
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