Jeepney Press Editorial / Dennis Sun

YOMU Editorial

By Dennis Sun

When everything seems to be bleak and grim, I wonder what is there to write about? The pandemic continues with infection rates going up and down and up again to no end, and the virus mutating into different variants. At this point, it would be difficult to laugh at those “doomsday is near” groups that tend to hog the headlines every now and then. And in Tokyo on what would be a momentous year of national pride and unity brought forth by the incoming Olympics, the mood is generally that of indifference, or at worse, increasing calls for cancellation on account of it being potentially a super spreader event. The Tokyo government is firm in saying that it will push through but there is very little positive buzz and excitement around in Tokyo, and the rest of the nation. I think the government is trying to tone it down with less fanfare and merriment because of the pandemic.

Tokyo Olympic Visuals at Shinjuku

by Dennis Sun

In any case, before summer starts to sizzle, and before the Olympics open, heaven needs to pour her tears, as if commiserating with the anxious and tired nation. Except for Hokkaido, Japan indeed will need to get its watering. TSUYU, as they call it, refers to the never-ending days and nights of rain and gray skies that starts from the end of May until the end of July.

We, Pinoys, don’t like rain. Our schedule can change drastically with a little drizzle or even with a few drops of rain. We hate going out when it rains. We would cancel at the last minute. Nobody wants to go out when it’s raining. No one wants to get wet. I, for one, don’t like the feeling of getting my socks cold and wet. And don’t get me started on the flooding that gets worse every year.

Coming from a country that is beset by numerous devastating typhoons every year, I confess that I used to hate rain a lot. Typhoon equals no electricity. No electricity means no TV. No water. Difficulty of drying laundry. Floods. Food shortages. Rising of prices of basic goods. These have all been imprinted in my mind with indelible ink.

But when I came to Japan, gradually, I came to appreciate the rain. The nation’s infrastructure holds up with little or no electricity or flooding issues, thankfully. I am typically out and about during springtime, and the rain sometimes can tempt me to stay indoors and watch Netflix. But what I enjoy much with rain is its after effect. I love going out to smell the sweet scent in the air after rainfall.

Summer yellow flowers in Tokyo

Photo by Dennis Sun

Now, I challenge myself to even go out and enjoy walking in the rain which I have never tried before. It was only recently that I came to realize how wonderful it is to see the flowers, plants and trees welcome the rain. It refreshes my mind and body to see how happy nature is when it rains. So instead of getting depressed and gloomy during a rain, I think about nature and how glad they are.

And remember, in this difficult times of the pandemic, people are staying home. And when it rains, more people stay put. So, it’s really the best time to go out and get a private moment connecting with nature. Go to your nearest park. Walk around the block and enjoy the gardens of your neighbors instead of being locked up at home. Do not be afraid to get wet. It is just water! No matter how dark, dreary and dank the weather may be, you can make it sunny and bright right inside YOURSELF!

Itterashai!

Koyama Gardens at Nerima, Tokyo

Photo by Dennis Sun

DENNIS SUN

Jeepney Press Editor/Creative Director