Spring is the most wonderful of seasons in Japan, both in reality and in the imaginations of nearly all Japanese people, it seems. The highlight is cherry blossom viewing, which takes place in parks through out the country and often involves copious amounts of beer. Unfortunately, the blossoms are a little behind schedule this year, so the fun has not yet begun. They better show up by next weekend though, since our building complex has a big Cherry Blossom Festival planned!
The only downside of spring is the coming of the "kafun," that is, cedar pollen. Hard numbers tallying those afflicted aren't available here, but this year, it's said that 30 times the normal amount of pollen is flying around. As a result, masks are out! White surgical masks that Japanese people aren't embarrassed to wear to avoid spreading cold germs, are also their main weapon of defense against the dreaded Kafun. To say that about half of the people on the train and in the street are wearing masks would only be a small exaggeration!
So Aogu and I are actually wondering if we should join the Masked Force. We aren't suffering terribly; I hestitate to say that either of has KafunSho (cedar pollen allergy). But we do have itchy eyes and we are sneezing more than usual. Aogu's mother is great believer in masks, and was sporting one when we were out with her the other day. She's also given us our very own supply. Should we choose to don the Mask, we need only pull out the drawer, and they will be waiting!
2 comments:
As a point of reference, 3 out of the 5 moms who went to karaoke were wearing masks the other day - although they all came off when we reached the room. And Karina had one PUT ON her by a nurse at the dr's office this morning. I've been constantly amazed this year by the shear number of masks being worn, although I have to say that these "new-fangled" ones look better than those in years past.
Good for you in starting a blog!
when my family showed up at LAX for a visit compliments of Biola, my mom had the flu. as a good immersed-in-culture-of-Nihon person, she of course was wearing a mask. the wide berth that people were giving her was impressive to say the least. my sister told me that the entire flight she was treated very gingerly, as would become a SARS victim. yes, apparently my mother was perceived as any Asian woman with a mask would be in America: a harbinger of SARS. sigh.
you're officially linked to HadashiWorld now!
Post a Comment