The Fifth Season: Rain

"We have four seasons in Japan". It is not uncommon for non-Japanese to be told that Japan experiences summer, fall, winter and spring.



Yet, what about the official rainy season (called tsuyu or baiyu) which is now underway in parts of Japan? So doesn't Japan actually have five seasons?

Japan's rainy season begins on a sunny day in southern Japan in May or early June The Japan Meteorological Agency officially declares the rainy season has begun.

In July, gradually by area, usually during a torrential downpour, the rainy season is officially declared over.

The rainy season in Japan probably confuses people:


Sound effect: phone rings

Japan Meteorological Agency: Moshi moshi (hello). Kishouchou de gozaimasu (It's the weather agency.)

Caller: I put my laundry out on the balcony to dry last night and it rained. My clothes are soaked. Yesterday you said the rainy season was officially over.

JMA: Aso. Gomen nasai. (We are very sorry). I apologize for that.

Caller: It looked like it might rain. But you said the rainy season had ended!

JMA:  (bowing) Suimasen. (So sorry). Gomen nasai.

Sound effect:  Goro goro!  (Thunder!)

Sound effect on phone: Ka chan! (Hanging up!)

Sound effect:  Fu fu fu (chuckle)