the seasons
Everything in Japan starts in the spring with the arrival of the cherry blossoms.
May is a time of the lovely new green leaves, then before you know it,
it's the rainy season. Once the rain has gone, the heat sets in, and
the only way to cool off is to eat watermelon. As temperatures rise,
passions are inflamed and romance is in the air. As summer gives way to
autumn, appetites of a different nature return, and hot food is
back on the table. As the leaves on the trees turn yellow and red, roasted
chestnuts and baked sweetpotato are sold on street corners. Then, finally, the cold
winter winds begin to blow, and those who are wise stay warm and healthy,
wrapped up against the cold, with a couple of mikan (satsumas) for that
daily dose of vitamin C.