Summer

Summer in Japan is (almost) unbearably hot and humid. Trying to survive summer can be a challenge, especially when you first arrive as a JET in Okayama.


 * Keeping cool tips**
 * Wear an undershirt or layer to soak up sweat.
 * Wear light, loose, cotton clothes
 * Don't wear dark colors.
 * Use fans and air conditioners at home, try cooling only smaller areas (1 room), and go into air conditioned convenience shops and stores to have a break from the heat.
 * Note, you can save money this way as well by being outside your house during the hottest parts of the day.
 * Bring a fan with you when you travel.
 * Bring a sweat towel with you when you travel, or wipes.
 * It's popular to carry an umbrella during summer to create shade for yourself.
 * You can buy 'deodorant' wipes at convenience stores and supermarkets to 'clean' the sweat off yourself during the day.
 * Keep hydrated.
 * Stay in the shade.


 * Dress code**
 * 'Cool biz' - you'll hear about this at Tokyo orientation, and Okayama orientation.
 * It's basically: short sleeved shirts with the top button undone, regular trousers and skirts or capris/other three-quarter pants. //(Unless you teach lower levels, wearing shorts for men/women is not common practice)//
 * Cotton undershirt to soak up sweat
 * If you cycle to work, wearing one set of clothes, and changing into your work clothes when you arrive is acceptable
 * Bring extra underwear/undershirts and change during the day if you feel uncomfortable


 * Deodorant**
 * There is a common opinion that deodorant in Japan is not effective at reducing sweat or odour.
 * Here is SuvivingInJapan's guide to finding good deodorant in Japan.
 * You can check out this detailed guide on deodorant for some more information.
 * For something familiar, 7-11 (and some drug stores) carry multiple flavours of ADIDAS 'action 3' dry spray __anti-perspirant__ deodorant. The Body Shop also carries deodorant.


 * Summer and your home**
 * Japanese homes are not well insulated, so this can work in your favour, as heat is not 'trapped' in your house.
 * The flipside of this, is that your house will often be the same (or slightly higher) than the temperature outside.
 * Having and using air conditioners is the best option for keeping cool.
 * You can buy and use fans to help keep cool //(tip: put a bowl of ice in front of the fan to make the air colder)//


 * Bugs**
 * Summer is the season of bugs, spiders, and other pests.
 * Ensure your screen doors/windows are properly shut, otherwise you'll get an army of insects invading your house for the light.
 * Don't park under a light source, especially in the country.
 * Buy mosquito coils or other repellants.
 * Don't walk under low trees (in the countryside at least)