Did you know that Japan has a rainy season called tsuyu (梅雨)? Typically lasting from early June to mid-July, this season brings frequent and often unpredictable showers or even rain that lasts all day. During this humid, soggy time, carrying an umbrella becomes an essential part of daily life.

While it’s not typhoon season (yet), it does mean weeks of gray clouds and sudden downpours, followed by days of blue skies. But don’t worry! With the right mindset and a few essential items, you can stay dry, stylish, and sane. Here are a few tips to stay dry during Japan’s infamous rainy season!

What is Tsuyu in Japan?

In Japan, tsuyu (梅雨), also known as the rainy season, is a period of prolonged rainfall that typically occurs from early June to mid-July.

Written with the kanji 梅（うめ） and 雨（あめ）, respectively plum and rain, the word 梅雨（つゆ） literally means the “plum rain” as this season coincides with the plum ripening period, giving us the delicious pickled plum (梅干（うめぼ）し) and the plum wine (梅酒（うめしゅ）).

Learn about tsuyu, Japan’s rainy season, by listening to Coto Radio, a podcast hosted by the teachers at Coto Academy. Through engaging storytelling and natural conversation, the hosts explore life during this wet season and share another way to describe it in Japanese.

When is the Rainy Season in Japan?

The Japanese rainy season starts in late spring and ends in early summer, roughly the beginning of June until mid-July in most part of Japan.

The earliest starts in Okinawa, where rain pours around May. For several weeks, everyone living in Japan will be miserable, waiting for better days. Or escaping to Hokkaido, one region that is lucky enough not to experience 5 or 6 weeks of constant humidity.

With the perspective of tsuyu (梅雨)つゆ , shops and convenience stores will sell umbrellas (傘（かさ）), plastic coats, plastic trousers, along with towels for the unfortunate victims of a sudden rain or a broken umbrella. If you are going out, you should be prepared with extra socks as the Japanese will tell you: it is nearly impossible not to end up one day walking in soaked clothes and shoes.

Read More: How to Say Winter, Summer, Spring, and Autumn in Japanese

What to Expect During the Japanese Rainy Season

Although called “rainy”, it does not necessarily rain every day during tsuyu (梅雨)（つゆ）. The weather is very unstable, and the high level of humidity in the air prevents clothes from drying properly, causing mold and rotten food to grow more easily. At home, be sure to store several pairs of shoes as drying a wet pair for the next day may be quite difficult.

Despite the discomfort, the rainy season is very important for the flora and fauna of Japan, and Japanese people do not complain much about it. They know those few weeks are worth enduring, as rain is crucial for the rice farmers. They will also indulge in their favorite activity, flower viewing, as the tsuyu’s radiant symbol is the beautiful hydrangea called ajisai (紫陽花（あじさい）).

Rain also means snails and frogs. The tsuyu symbolic creatures are without a doubt the snail, or katatsumori (カタツムリ), whose name in Japanese originally means “the insect wearing an umbrella,” and the frog, or kaeru (カエル).

Soon, the tsuyu will start in Tokyo. So be sure to always have an umbrella with you and brace yourself for mosquitoes! After tsuyu comes the summer season in Japan, which means you will have to find ways to beat the heat.

Tips to Survive Rainy Season in Japan

1. Invest in a Good Umbrella

In Japan, umbrellas are a must. You’ll see many people using the clear plastic kind from convenience stores — and you will too, eventually. Some are so cheap they can be found at Daiso or other 100-yen shops. However, they’re not super durable. If you’re staying a while, it’s worth investing in a sturdy, wind-resistant umbrella. Some even come with UV protection for sunny days.

Tip: Unfortunately, umbrella theft is one of the more common petty crimes in Japan, right up there with bicycle theft. Try not to leave your umbrella unattended in public umbrella stands, especially during surprise downpours.

2. Waterproof Your Footwear

Soggy socks? No thanks. Grab some waterproof shoes or rain boots (called reinkutsu). They’re especially helpful if you’ll be commuting or walking long distances. If rain boots are out of budget for now, opt for sneakers over sandals or flats for some protection.

Pro tip: Keep a pair of dry socks in your bag.

3. Upgrade to a Water-Resistant Bag

Carrying a laptop, camera, or important documents? Your canvas tote won’t cut it. Switch to a water-resistant backpack or add a bag cover. You can also protect your valuables using ziplock bags or dry pouches inside your bag.

4. Prepare for the Humidity

It’s not just the rain — it’s the humidity that lingers with it. Think: frizzy hair, sticky clothes, and never-quite-dry shoes. Indoor humidity can also lead to mildew and mold on your clothes if your room is not properly ventilated. Try heading to your nearest drugstore or 100-yen shops (some convenience stores might even sell them!) and look for:

• Dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing sheets (除湿削) for your closet and shoes
• Quick-dry towels and clothes
• Cooling wipes or sprays are sold in most drugstores

Bonus: Japanese drugstores sell amazing anti-frizz and anti-humidity hair products

5. Stay Informed (and Dry)

Thankfully, Japanese weather forecasts are pretty accurate and are always updated with the latest weekly outlook. You can download dedicated apps, but even built-in ones like the iPhone Weather app usually do a solid job of predicting rain.

Check the weather forecast — constantly. Just a heads-up: rain can be spontaneous, and some days it pours nonstop. Stay updated with these helpful tools:

• Tenki.jp or Yahoo Weather
• LINE Weather plugin
• Rain Alarm for real-time updates

Having a compact umbrella in your bag becomes second nature during this season.

6. Ward Off The Rain with Teru Teru Bozu Charm

Feeling superstitious or just want to bring some good vibes to your rainy days? Try making a teru teru bouzu (てるてる坊主) — a traditional Japanese weather charm made of white cloth or tissue paper. These little ghost-like dolls are hung in windows to wish for clear skies, especially before events like school outings or weekend trips.

You can easily make your own or find cute versions sold in stores during the rainy season. It’s a fun and cultural way to brighten up gray days.

Feeling spooky? Read More: 10 Japanese Superstitions You Might Believe

Ready to Start Your Japanese Learning Journey? Join Coto Academy!

While the weather may be a bit damp during tsuyu, it’s the perfect time to dive deeper into your studies, enjoy cozy classroom conversations, and explore how rain and the changing seasons are reflected in Japanese culture and language.

Rain or shine, you can study online or in Tokyo with Coto Academy, where we offer fun, flexible classes designed for people who want to learn practical, everyday conversations at their own pace!

Podcast Transcript

Read the full transcription of the Coto Radio podcast below. Listen to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Nagai-sensei:

どうもこんにちは！Cotoラジオをお聞きいただきましてありがとうございます。
Doumo konnichiwa! Coto rajio o okiki itadakimashite arigatou gozaimasu.
Hello! Thank you for listening to Coto Radio!

Cotoでレッスンしている学習者の皆様そして世界中の日本語学習者の皆様こんにちは！お元気でしょうか！？
Coto de ressun shite iru gakushuusha no minasama soshite sekaijuu no nihongo gakushuusha no minasama konnichiwa! Ogenki deshou ka!?
Hello to all learners taking lessons at Coto, and to Japanese learners around the world! How are you doing!?

日本で一番スポーツとビールが好きな日本語教師Nagaiです。
Nihon de ichiban supootsu to biiru ga suki na nihongo kyoushi Nagai desu.
I’m Nagai, a Japanese teacher who loves sports and beer the most in Japan.

学校で、もし会ったら、「ハーイMr.Nagai」と声をかけてください！
Gakkou de, moshi attara, “Haai Mr. Nagai” to koe o kakete kudasai!
If you see me at school, please say “Hi, Mr. Nagai!”

どうぞよろしくお願いします！
Douzo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Nice to meet you! / Please take care of me!

Nagai-sensei:

こちらのプログラムでは、日本のニュースや生活の中の話題について、できるだけ簡単な日本語を使って、できるだけナチュラルな話し方とスピードで先生たちといっしょに会話をしていきます。
Kochira no puroguramu de wa, Nihon no nyuusu ya seikatsu no naka no wadai ni tsuite, dekirudake kantan na nihongo o tsukatte, dekirudake nachuraru na hanashikata to supiido de sensei-tachi to isshou ni kaiwa o shite ikimasu.
In this program, we will talk about Japanese news and daily life topics using as simple Japanese as possible, and we will have conversations with teachers at a natural speed and style.

日本語の会話が上手に聞き取れない！！くやしい！という方はぜひ、楽しいリスニングのテキストだと思って、聞いてみてください。
Nihongo no kaiwa ga jouzu ni kikitorenai!! Kuyashii! To iu kata wa zehi, tanoshii risuningu no tekisuto da to omotte, kiite mite kudasai.
If you find it hard to understand Japanese conversations, don’t worry! Try listening to this as a fun listening exercise.

ちょ～っと語彙は難しいかもしれませんが、途中で先生が説明してくれる時間もあるので、リラックスして最後までお聞きください！
Cho~tto goi wa muzukashii kamoshiremasen ga, tochuu de sensei ga setsumei shite kureru jikan mo aru node, rirakkusu shite saigo made okikikudasai!
Some vocabulary might be a bit difficult, but there will be moments when the teachers explain it, so relax and listen until the end!

Nagai-sensei:

さて、今日も私といっしょにお話してくれるのは正式にもうofficialアシスタント確定ですね⁉
Sate, kyou mo watashi to isshou ni ohanashi shite kureru no wa seishiki ni mou official ashisutanto kakutei desu ne!?
Now, joining me for today’s talk is officially confirmed as our official assistant, right!?

Hidari-sensei:

はい！
Hai!
Yes!

Nagai-sensei:

麻布校レッスンでおなじみ、左先生です！
Azabu kou ressun de onajimi, Hidari-sensei desu!
Familiar from the Azabu school lessons, it’s Hidari-sensei!

Hidari-sensei:

よろしくお願いしまーす！
Yoroshiku onegaishima~su!
Nice to meet you!

Nagai-sensei:

はい、よろしくお願いします。
Hai, yoroshiku onegaishimasu.
Yes, nice to meet you.

いきなりですが質問です！
Ikinari desu ga shitsumon desu!
Suddenly, I have a question!

日本人が、一番好きな話題って何だと思いますか？よくする話題！Topic！
Nihonjin ga, ichiban suki na wadai tte nan da to omoimasu ka? Yoku suru wadai! Topic!
What do you think is the topic Japanese people like the most? The topic they often talk about!

Hidari-sensei:

やっぱり仕事のことでしょうか、最近どう？忙しい？とか。
Yappari shigoto no koto deshou ka, saikin dou? Isogashii? Toka.
Probably about work, like “How’s it going? Busy lately?”

それと、日本には祝日も多いので、次の連休何する？とか。
Sore to, Nihon ni wa shukujitsu mo ooi node, tsugi no renkyuu nani suru? Toka.
Also, Japan has many holidays, so “What will you do during the next long weekend?”

あ、あと年をとると病院、病気、薬の話題も多いかなあ。
A, ato toshi o toru to byouin, byouki, kusuri no wadai mo ooi kanaa.
Ah, and as people get older, topics about hospitals, illnesses, and medicine also come up often.

そして、何と言っても天気ですね。「おはようございます」のあいさつとセットになっている状態です。
Soshite, nan to itte mo tenki desu ne. “Ohayou gozaimasu” no aisatsu to setto ni natte iru joutai desu.
And, of course, the weather. It’s often paired with the greeting “Good morning.”

Nagai-sensei:

そうですね。今日もさっき「雨ですね～／暑いですね～」って二人で話していたんですが、やはり「天気」でしょう。
Sou desu ne. Kyou mo sakki “Ame desu ne~ / Atsui desu ne~” tte futari de hanashite ita n desu ga, yahari “tenki” deshou.
Yes, that’s right. Just a little while ago, we were talking, “It’s raining~ / It’s hot~,” and as expected, it’s about the weather.

学生から質問されたりしませんか？
Gakusei kara shitsumon sare tari shimasen ka?
Do students sometimes ask you questions?

どうして日本人は毎日天気の話ば～っかりするの？…って。
Doushite Nihonjin wa mainichi tenki no hanashi ba~kkari suru no? …tte.
“Why do Japanese people talk about the weather every day?”… they ask.

Hidari-sensei:

そうですね、聞かれること、多いです。
Sou desu ne, kikareru koto, ooi desu.
Yes, that happens often.

そんなときは、日本には四季と言って、４つのはっきりと区別がある季節があるから、そのときどきで天気は話題になりやすいし、俳句みたいな文化とも関係があるのでしょうね、という話をしています。
Sonna toki wa, Nihon ni wa shiki to itte, yottsu no hakkiri to kubetsu ga aru kisetsu ga aru kara, sono tokidoki de tenki wa wadai ni nari yasui shi, haiku mitai na bunka to mo kankei ga aru no deshou ne, to iu hanashi o shite imasu.
At those times, I explain that Japan has four distinct seasons called “shiki,” so the weather easily becomes a topic depending on the time, and it may also relate to cultural things like haiku.

Nagai-sensei:

うん、海外ではどんな話題があいさつとセットになってるか、先生、ご存じですか？何か聞いたことがありますか？
Un, kaigai de wa donna wadai ga aisatsu to setto ni natte ru ka, sensei, gozonji desu ka? Nanika kiita koto ga arimasu ka?
Hmm, do you know what topics are usually paired with greetings in other countries? Have you heard anything?

Hidari-sensei:

イギリスでも天気の話はよくするって言ってました。
Igirisu demo tenki no hanashi wa yoku suru tte itte mashita.
I heard that in the UK, people also often talk about the weather.

でも天気予報の話はしないらしいですよ。いつも結局「雨だから！」だそうです。
Demo tenki yohou no hanashi wa shinai rashii desu yo. Itsumo kekkyoku “Ame dakara!” da sou desu.
But apparently they don’t talk about weather forecasts; it usually ends up just being, “Because it’s raining!”

あと私の先祖のルーツは中国なんですが、中国だとやっぱり二言目には「ごはん食べた？」ですね。
Ato watashi no senzo no ruutsu wa Chuugoku nan desu ga, Chuugoku da to yappari futaikoto me ni wa “Gohan tabeta?” desu ne.
Also, my ancestors are from China, and there, the second thing people ask is usually, “Have you eaten?”

あ、質問されるといえば、あとは、やっぱり「梅雨」についてでしょうか。
A, shitsumon sareru to ieba, ato wa, yappari “Baiu” ni tsuite deshou ka.
Ah, speaking of questions, it’s probably about “baiu” (the rainy season).

あれは「Rainy Season」、「雨季」とは何が違うのか？って。「梅雨」と「雨季」の違い。
Are wa “Rainy Season,” “uki” to wa nani ga chigau no ka? tte. “Baiu” to “uki” no chigai.
They ask, “What’s the difference between ‘baiu’ and the rainy season (uki)?”

Nagai-sensei:

「梅雨」ね！
“Baiu” ne!
“The rainy season,” right!

えっと、今年は、例年より4日ほど遅い梅雨入りと発表。
Etto, kotoshi wa, reinen yori yokka hodo osoi baiu iri to happyou.
This year, they announced that the start of the rainy season is about four days later than usual.

…みたいな、先々週くらいかな。ニュースで言ってましたが。
…Mitai na, sensenshuu kurai ka na. Nyuusu de itte mashita ga.
…It was something like that, maybe around the week before last. I heard it on the news.

Hidari-sensei:

ね～、今年は遅いってよくニュースで言ってますね～。
Ne~, kotoshi wa osoi tte yoku nyuusu de itte masu ne~.
Yes, this year, they often say on the news that it’s late.

基本的に「梅雨」は「日本の雨季」のことですね。
Kihonteki ni “baiu” wa “Nihon no uki” no koto desu ne.
Basically, “baiu” refers to Japan’s rainy season.

Nagai-sensei:

はい、そうですね。日本も東アジアの国ですから、5月から10月に雨がよく降ります。
Hai, sou desu ne. Nihon mo Higashi Ajia no kuni desu kara, gogatsu kara juu-gatsu ni ame ga yoku furimasu.
Yes, that’s right. Japan is also a country in East Asia, so it often rains from May to October.

でもその東アジアの中でも、いっちばん東！
Demo sono Higashi Ajia no naka demo, icchiban higashi!
But even within East Asia, it’s the farthest east!

日本がある場所は極東と言います。
Nihon ga aru basho wa Kyokutou to iimasu.
The place where Japan is located is called the Far East.

このエリアは、6月～7月に、北のオホーツク海からくる冷たい風と南から、太平洋のほうから温かい風が吹くんですが、本当にちょうど日本の上でぶつかるんですよね。
Kono eria wa, rokugatsu ~ shichigatsu ni, kita no Ohootsuku-kai kara kuru tsumetai kaze to minami kara, Taiheiyou no hou kara atatakai kaze ga fuku n desu ga, hontou ni choudo Nihon no ue de butsukaru n desu yo ne.
In this area, from June to July, cold winds come from the north, from the Sea of Okhotsk, and warm winds blow from the south, from the Pacific, and they literally meet right over Japan.

Hidari-sensei:

はい、それが「梅雨（ばいう）前線」Baiu-frontですね。
Hai, sore ga “baiu (baiu) zensen” Baiu-front desu ne.
Yes, that is the “baiu front.”

雨がたくさん降る理由です。
Ame ga takusan furu riyuu desu.
That’s the reason it rains so much.

Nagai-sensei:

なので、「梅雨」は「雨季」の日本だけの特別な言い方だと覚えてほしいですね。
Nanode, “baiu” wa “uki” no Nihon dake no tokubetsu na iikata da to oboete hoshii desu ne.
So, I want you to remember that “baiu” is a special Japanese term for the rainy season.

まあ、梅雨が早くくるのも嫌ですが…遅いのも嫌ですね…。
Maa, baiu ga hayaku kuru no mo iya desu ga… osoi no mo iya desu ne….
Well, we don’t like it when the rainy season comes early… but also when it’s late.

夏はいろんなイベントが外で行われますから、延期になったり中止になったりするので本当に困ります…。
Natsu wa iron na ibento ga soto de okonawaremasu kara, enki ni nattari chuushi ni nattari suru node hontou ni komarimasu….
In summer, many events are held outdoors, so if they are postponed or canceled, it really causes trouble.

Hidari-sensei:
はい、それでは言葉を説明しましょう！
Hai, sore dewa kotoba o setsumei shimashou!
Alright, let’s explain some words!

「中止」は…続けることができなくなったイベントを、ストップしてから、リ・スケジュールしない時。
“Chuushi” wa… tsuzukeru koto ga dekinaku natta ibento o, sutoppu shite kara, ri-sukedjuuru shinai toki.
“Chuushi” (cancellation) is when an event that cannot continue is stopped and not rescheduled.

「延期」は…リ・スケジュールする時に使います。
“Enki” wa… ri-sukedjuuru suru toki ni tsukaimasu.
“Enki” (postponement) is used when rescheduling.

ちなみに、「延長」は…終わる時間が、変わることです。
Chinami ni, “enchou” wa… owaru jikan ga, kawaru koto desu.
By the way, “enchou” (extension) means that the ending time changes.

「時間が延びる」とも言いますよ。
Jikan ga nobiru to mo iimasu yo.
You can also say “the time is extended.”

「延長」と「延期」音が似ていますが違う意味なので、使い方に気を付けましょう！
“Enchou” to “enki” oto ga niteimasu ga chigau imi na node, tsukaikata ni ki o tsukemashou!
“Enchou” and “enki” sound similar but have different meanings, so be careful how you use them!

Hidari-sensei:

あと、雨と言えば、外国のみなさんは傘をささない！
Ato, ame to ieba, gaikoku no minasan wa kasa o sasanai!
Also, speaking of rain, people from other countries often don’t use umbrellas!

これは本当に文化の差を感じます。
Kore wa hontou ni bunka no sa o kanjimasu.
This really shows a cultural difference.

Nagai-sensei:

本当にこれは日本語教師をやっていると、1st Dayに気づくことかもしれません。
Hontou ni kore wa nihongo kyoushi o yatte iru to, first day ni kizuku koto kamoshiremasen.
As a Japanese teacher, you might notice this on the very first day.

「どうしたの！？びしょびしょですけど！」って。
“Doushita no!? Bishobisho desu kedo!” tte.
You might say, “What’s wrong!? You’re soaking wet!”

どうしてあまり傘をささないか、先生聞いたことありますか？
Doushite amari kasa o sasanai ka, sensei kiita koto arimasu ka?
Have you ever heard why they don’t really use umbrellas?

Hidari-sensei:

はい、あります。
Hai, arimasu.
Yes, I have.

雨に濡れることを、気にしない、大したことがないと思ってる人が多いみたい。そして単にめんどくさい。
Ame ni nureru koto o, ki ni shinai, taishita koto ga nai to omotteru hito ga ooi mitai. Soshite tan ni mendokusai.
Many people don’t mind getting wet in the rain, thinking it’s not a big deal. Also, it’s simply bothersome.

それから、これはタイ人の女性から聞いたんですが、タイでは男の人のほうが傘を使わない人が多くて、その理由は「かっこつけている」からだそうです、彼女が言うには。
Sorekara, kore wa Taijin no josei kara kiita n desu ga, Tai de wa otoko no hito no hou ga kasa o tsukawanai hito ga ooi kute, sono riyuu wa “kakkotsukete iru” kara da sou desu, kanojo ga iu ni wa.
Also, I heard from a Thai woman that in Thailand, men often don’t use umbrellas, and the reason is that they want to look cool, according to her.

「かさを さす」のがかっこ悪い、「俺は傘なんてささなくても平気なんだ」みたいな、マッチョイズムでしょうか。
“Kasa o sasu” no ga kakkowarui, “Ore wa kasa nante sasanakute mo heiki nan da” mitai na, macchoizumu deshou ka.
They think using an umbrella is uncool, like “I’m fine without an umbrella,” showing a kind of machismo.

あと、特にヨーロッパの人は、「すぐ止むから問題ない」、という人が多いですね。
Ato, toku ni Yooroppa no hito wa, “Sugu yamu kara mondai nai,” to iu hito ga ooi desu ne.
Also, especially Europeans often say, “It will stop soon, so it’s no problem.”

傘をさすほどの、長い時間じゃないですと言いますね。
Kasa o sasu hodo no, nagai jikan ja nai desu to iimasu ne.
They say it’s not long enough to bother opening an umbrella.

Nagai-sensei:

私もそれ、聞いたことがあります！
Watashi mo sore, kiita koto ga arimasu!
I’ve heard that too!

はい。気候の差がいろいろな文化の差を生んでいますね。
Hai. Kikou no sa ga iroiro na bunka no sa o unde imasu ne.
Yes. Differences in climate have created various cultural differences.

僕は文化の差イコール気候の差と理解しています。
Boku wa bunka no sa ikooru kikou no sa to rikai shite imasu.
I understand cultural differences as being directly related to differences in climate.

Hidari-sensei:

気候…ですね。「気候」と「天気」の違いを説明しましょうか。
Kikou… desu ne. “Kikou” to “tenki” no chigai o setsumei shimashou ka.
Climate… right. Shall I explain the difference between “kikou” (climate) and “tenki” (weather)?

「天気」…という言葉はまず、「晴れ、雨、曇り、雪」というその日のconditionに対して「いい、わるい、暑い、暖かい、涼しい、寒い」という、私たちが感じる気持ちと一緒に使う空のconditionのことです。
“Tenki”… to iu kotoba wa mazu, “hare, ame, kumori, yuki” to iu sono hi no condition ni taishite “ii, warui, atsui, atatakai, suzushii, samui” to iu, watashitachi ga kanjiru kimochi to issho ni tsukau sora no condition no koto desu.
“Tenki” refers to the state of the sky for a specific day, like sunny, rainy, cloudy, or snowy, combined with our feelings about it, such as good, bad, hot, warm, cool, or cold.

「気候」…というのは、実際に、そのエリアは季節によってどんな「天気」が多いのか、「天気」にどんな変化があるのかを知っておくための言葉です…かね。
“Kikou”… to iu no wa, jissai ni, sono eria wa kisetsu ni yotte donna “tenki” ga ooi no ka, “tenki” ni donna henka ga aru no ka o shitte oku tame no kotoba desu… ka ne.
“Kikou” refers to the usual weather patterns in a region—what kind of weather is common in each season, and how it changes.

Nagai-sensei:

はい、例えば、日本とスウェーデンの今日の天気は同じかもしれませんが、気候は全然違う…という使い分けです。
Hai, tatoeba, Nihon to Suweeden no kyou no tenki wa onaji kamoshiremasen ga, kikou wa zenzen chigau… to iu tsukaiwake desu.
For example, today’s weather in Japan and Sweden might be the same, but the climate is completely different—that’s how you distinguish the terms.

私の国はほとんど毎日雨が降るけど、そんなに強くならないし長く続かない、ちょっと降ったら、またちょっと止んで、またちょっと降る…って学生はよく言うんですよ。
Watashi no kuni wa hotondo mainichi ame ga furu kedo, sonna ni tsuyoku naranai shi nagaku tsuzukanai, chotto futtara, mata chotto yande, mata chotto furu… tte gakusei wa yoku iu n desu yo.
In my country, it rains almost every day, but it’s not heavy or long-lasting; it rains a little, stops a little, and rains again—that’s what students often say.

だから傘をささないという文化が生まれるんですよね。
Dakara kasa o sasanai to iu bunka ga umareru n desu yo ne.
That’s why the culture of not using umbrellas developed.

Hidari-sensei:

はい、そうですね。
Hai, sou desu ne.
Yes, that’s right.

でもみなさん、本当に、気を付けてください！！！
Demo minasan, hontou ni, ki o tsukete kudasai!!!
But everyone, really, please be careful!!!

Nagai-sensei:

そう！あの、日本の、梅雨に降る雨は、すぐ止みませんよ！
Sou! Ano, Nihon no, baiu ni furu ame wa, sugu yamimasen yo!
Exactly! The rain during Japan’s rainy season doesn’t stop quickly!

もうね、ずーっと長ーく降り続きます。1時間とかじゃなくて、1日、2日ずっとです。
Mou ne, zuutto nagaaku furi tsuzukimasu. Ichi-jikan toka ja nakute, ichi-nichi, futsuka zuu~tto desu.
It pours continuously for a long time—not just for an hour, but for one or two days straight.

だから、念のため、傘は毎日持っていたほうがいいと思います。
Dakara, nen no tame, kasa wa mainichi motte ita hou ga ii to omoimasu.
So, just in case, I think it’s best to carry an umbrella every day.

これも、日本に住むために大切な文化だと思います！
Kore mo, Nihon ni sumu tame ni taisetsu na bunka da to omoimasu!
I also think this is an important cultural practice for living in Japan!

Hidari-sensei:

念のため…は、そうならないかもしれないけど、もしそうなっても困らないように、そのための準備として…という意味で使います。
Nen no tame… wa, sou naranai kamoshirenai kedo, moshi sou natte mo komaranai you ni, sono tame no junbi to shite… to iu imi de tsukaimasu.
“Nen no tame” means “just in case”—it’s used to prepare for something that might not happen, but if it does, you won’t be troubled.

よくアドバイスする時に使うので、「～たほうがいいよ」とか「～しておいたら？」と一緒に使ってみましょう！
Yoku adobaisu suru toki ni tsukau node, “~ta hou ga ii yo” toka “~shite oitara?” to issho ni tsukatte mimashou!
It’s often used when giving advice, so try using it together with phrases like “You should ~” or “You’d better ~.”

Nagai-sensei:

ね、全然やまなくても困らないように、1人だけびっしょびしょにならないように、念のため傘を持ってでかけるようにしてください！
Ne, zenzen yamanakute mo komaranai you ni, hitori dake bishobisho ni naranai you ni, nen no tame kasa o motte dekakeru you ni shite kudasai!
So, even if it doesn’t stop raining, and so you’re not the only one getting soaking wet, take an umbrella just in case!

あの、濡れた服とか、靴とか、そのままにしておくと、「カビ」がMoldが生えるかもしれませんから。
Ano, nureta fuku toka, kutsu toka, sono mama ni shite oku to, “kabi” ga mold ga haeru kamoshiremasen kara.
If you leave wet clothes or shoes as they are, mold may grow on them.

Hidari-sensei:

はい、カビがたくさん生えるシーズンですからね。
Hai, kabi ga takusan haeru shiizun desu kara ne.
Yes, it’s a season when mold grows a lot.

気を付けましょう～。
Ki o tsukemashou~.
Let’s be careful.

Nagai-sensei:

ちなみに、「カビ」は「黴菌」なので、「黴菌」がたくさん増えてしまう雨というのが、「梅雨（ばいう）」という名前の由来だって言われることもあるそうです。
Chinami ni, “kabi” wa “baikkin” nano de, “baikkin” ga takusan fuete shimau ame to iu no ga, “baiu (baiu)” to iu namae no yurai da tte iwareru koto mo aru sou desu.
By the way, “kabi” (mold) is also called “baikkin” (bacteria), and it’s said that the name “baiu” may come from the rain that makes mold grow a lot.

なんか…この説はちょっと嫌ですね。
Nanka… kono setsu wa chotto iya desu ne.
Somehow… this theory is a bit unpleasant.

Hidari-sensei:

あ、「由来」…ですね。
A, “yurai”… desu ne.
Ah, “origin”… right.

説明しますと、今の形や名前になったもともとの理由や原材料のことを言います。
Setsumei shimasu to, ima no katachi ya namae ni natta motomoto no riyuu ya genzairyou no koto o iimasu.
To explain, it refers to the original reason or source for the current form or name.

例えば…「東京の名前の由来は、京都の東に作った町だから」とか「植物由来のクリーンエネルギー」とか。
Tatoeba… “Toukyou no namae no yurai wa, Kyouto no higashi ni tsukutta machi dakara” toka “shokubutsu yurai no clean energy” toka.
For example, “The origin of Tokyo’s name is that it was a town built east of Kyoto,” or “clean energy derived from plants.”

あと、「説」…も簡単に説明すると、過去に起きたことの理由として「正しい答え」かはわからない、でも、もしかしたら、そうかもしれないという理由の１つのことを言います。
Ato, “setsu”… mo kantan ni setsumei suru to, kako ni okita koto no riyuu to shite “tadashii kotae” ka wa wakaranai, demo, moshikashitara, sou kamoshirenai to iu riyuu no hitotsu no koto o iimasu.
Also, “setsu” can be explained simply as a theory or explanation about something that happened in the past; it might be correct, but it’s not certain—it’s just one possible reason.

だから、私も「ばい菌説」はちょっと…。
Dakara, watashi mo “baikkin setsu” wa chotto….
So, I also feel that the “mold theory” is a bit…

やっぱり、「梅の実が、食べごろになる、季節に降る雨」という説を信じたいです！
Yappari, “ume no mi ga, tabegoro ni naru, kisetsu ni furu ame” to iu setsu o shinjitai desu!
After all, I want to believe the theory that it’s the rain that falls when plums are ripe!

Nagai-sensei:

うん、ちょっと残念ですよね…なんかリアルすぎます（笑）
Un, chotto zannen desu yo ne… nanka riaru sugimasu (laugh)
Yes, it’s a bit disappointing… it’s just too realistic (laugh).

あ、あと、まあこれは文化の差ということではないかもしれませんが、雨の名前とか、雨の音、さっきのびしょびしょもそうですけど、オノマトペ！
A, ato, maa kore wa bunka no sa to iu koto de wa nai kamoshiremasen ga, ame no namae toka, ame no oto, sakki no bishobisho mo sou desu kedo, onomatope!
Ah, and maybe this isn’t really about cultural differences, but the names of rain, the sound of rain, and words like “bishobisho” are all onomatopoeia!

これが、、、これがまた外国のみなさんを苦しませますよね～。
Kore ga… kore ga mata gaikoku no minasan o kurushimasemasu yo ne~.
This… really troubles people from other countries, right?

Hidari-sensei:

そうですね。ポツ…ポツ…から始まって…。
Sou desu ne. Potsu… potsu… kara hajimatte….
Yes, it starts with “potsu… potsu…”

Nagai-sensei:

ね、それが、パラ…パラ…になり…。
Ne, sore ga, para… para… ni nari….
Then it becomes “para… para…”

Hidari-sensei:

はい、そしてザー…ザー…と強くなって…
Hai, soshite zaa… zaa… to tsuyoku natte…
Yes, then it becomes strong like “zaa… zaa…”

Nagai-sensei:

それが傘に当たるとバリバリバリバリッ！ボトボトボトボトッ！
Sore ga kasa ni ataru to baribari baribari! Botoboto botoboto!
And when it hits the umbrella, it’s “bari-bari-bari-bari!” and “boto-boto-boto-boto!”

Hidari-sensei:

まあ、ボトボトボトまではあんまり聞いたことないですけど（笑）
Maa, botoboto boto made wa anmari kiita koto nai desu kedo (laugh)
Well, I haven’t really heard “boto-boto-boto” that much (laugh).

それ、傘やぶけてませんか（笑）
Sore, kasa yabukete masen ka (laugh)
Isn’t your umbrella breaking? (laugh)

「ひょう」みたい！あの氷になった雨！
“Hyou” mitai! Ano kōri ni natta ame!
It’s like “hail”! Rain that turns into ice!

Nagai-sensei:

あの、「となりのトトロ」の…
Ano, “Tonari no Totoro” no…
That’s in “My Neighbor Totoro”…

Hidari-sensei:

ジブリアニメの？
Jiburi anime no?
The Studio Ghibli anime?

Nagai-sensei:

はい、あのトトロと一緒にさつきがお父さんのバス待ってる時の傘に当たる音です。
Hai, ano Totoro to issho ni Satsuki ga otousan no basu matteru toki no kasa ni ataru oto desu.
Yes, it’s the sound when Satsuki is waiting with Totoro for her father’s bus and the rain hits the umbrella.

Hidari-sensei:

あー…はいはい。…（ー＿ー）
Aa… hai hai. …(-_-)
Ah… yes, yes…

Nagai-sensei:

今あのー…みなさんわかりますかね。
Ima ano~… minasan wakarimasu ka ne.
Um… everyone, do you understand this?

オノマトペで言うと、あれです、”しーーーん”です。
Onomatope de iu to, are desu, “shiiiin” desu.
In onomatopoeia terms, it’s “shiiiin.”

Hidari-sensei:
「しーん」…は、話している人が…
“Shiiin”… wa, hanashite iru hito ga…
“Shiiin”… is used when the person speaking…

Nagai-sensei:

それ、説明しますか！？その言葉、説明いらないんじゃないかな？
Sore, setsumei shimasu ka!? Sono kotoba, setsumei iranai n ja nai ka na?
Should I explain that!? I think that word doesn’t really need an explanation.

Hidari-sensei:

いえ、大事なオノマトペなので。念のために。
Iie, daiji na onomatope na node. Nen no tame ni.
No, it’s an important onomatopoeia, so just in case.

Nagai-sensei:

そうですか？そんなに困らないですよ。
Sou desu ka? Sonna ni komaranai desu yo.
Really? It’s not that hard to understand.

Hidari-sensei:
「しーん」…は、話している人が…あまりおもしろくないことを言ったときに…
“Shiiin”… wa, hanashite iru hito ga… amari omoshiroku nai koto o itta toki ni…
“Shiiin” is used when the person speaking says something not very interesting…

Nagai-sensei:

面白くない！…限定！？じゃないですよね。
Omoshirokunai! …Gentei!? Ja nai desu yo ne.
Not interesting! …It’s limited to that!? Not really.

まあそういう説もありますけど。
Maa sou iu setsu mo arimasu kedo.
Well, that’s one theory, though.

Hidari-sensei:

あ、静かになったときのオノマトペですね。
A, shizuka ni natta toki no onomatope desu ne.
Ah, it’s an onomatopoeia for when it becomes quiet.

Nagai-sensei:

そうですね。その説明がいいですね。静かなのに、音を付ける！
Sou desu ne. Sono setsumei ga ii desu ne. Shizuka na noni, oto o tsukeru!
Yes, that explanation is good. Even though it’s quiet, you add a sound!

これがすごいんですよ。
Kore ga sugoi n desu yo.
This is amazing.

Hidari-sensei:

面白くないことを言って、笑い声が消えて、静かになった時。
Omoshirokunai koto o itte, waraigoe ga kiete, shizuka ni natta toki.
When someone says something not funny, the laughter disappears, and it becomes quiet.

Nagai-sensei:

うん、これはやめましょう！
Un, kore wa yamemashou!
Yes, let’s stop there!

Hidari-sensei:

そう、「しーん」は「手塚治虫」というマンガ家が、初めて文字にして書いたと言われていますね～。すごい発明ですよね。
Sou, “shiiin” wa “Tezuka Osamu” to iu mangaka ga, hajimete moji ni shite kaita to iwarete imasu ne~. Sugoi hatsumei desu yo ne.
Yes, “shiiin” was first written as text by the manga artist Tezuka Osamu. It’s an amazing invention.

Nagai-sensei:

「しーん」詳しいですね！
“Shiiin” kuwashii desu ne!
You know “shiiin” in detail!

えーっと…、そうオノマトペ！
Eetto…, sou onomatope!
Uh… yes, onomatopoeia!

これは、日本語の中でも学生が覚えられないというカテゴリーBest3ですよね。
Kore wa, Nihongo no naka demo gakusei ga oboerarenai to iu category Best 3 desu yo ne.
This is in the top three categories of onomatopoeia that students have trouble remembering in Japanese.

先生はどうですか、そんな話、聞きませんか？
Sensei wa dou desu ka, sonna hanashi, kikimasen ka?
Sensei, haven’t you heard that too?

Hidari-sensei:

確かにオノマトペは、覚えられないという人が多いですね。あきらめている人も多い。
Tashika ni onomatope wa, oboerarenai to iu hito ga ooi desu ne. Akiramete iru hito mo ooi.
Indeed, many people have trouble remembering onomatopoeia. Many have given up.

オノマトペって、日本では難しい言葉がわからない子どものしつけや教育のために、使うことが多いという話を、最近本で読みました。
Onomatope tte, Nihon de wa muzukashii kotoba ga wakaranai kodomo no shitsuke ya kyouiku no tame ni, tsukau koto ga ooi to iu hanashi o, saikin hon de yomimashita.
I read recently in a book that in Japan, onomatopoeia is often used to teach children who don’t understand difficult words.

だから幼稚園の先生たちはオノマトペマスターらしいですよ。
Dakara youchien no sensei-tachi wa onomatope masutaa rashii desu yo.
That’s why kindergarten teachers seem to be masters of onomatopoeia.

Nagai-sensei:

そうですね。あの「頭が痛い」は本当にそのいい例です。
Sou desu ne. Ano “atama ga itai” wa hontou ni sono ii rei desu.
Yes, “having a headache” is really a good example.

Hidari-sensei:

はい、ずきずき？　ちくちく？　がんがん？
Hai, zukizuki? Chikuchiku? Gangan?
Yes, like “zuki-zuki,” “chiku-chiku,” “gan-gan”?

Nagai-sensei:

はい、それそれ！
Hai, sore sore!
Yes, exactly!

僕、学生によく言うんですけど、この梅雨は、チャンスだと。
Boku, gakusei ni yoku iun desu kedo, kono baiu wa, chansu da to.
I often tell my students that this rainy season is actually a chance.

Hidari-sensei:

ほう、と言いますと？？
Hou, to iimasu to??
Oh? How so??

Nagai-sensei:

つまり！この梅雨の季節は、カビみたいに、本当にたくさん出てくるオノマトペを、体感しながら覚えるチャンスなんですよ！
Tsumari! Kono baiu no kisetsu wa, kabi mitai ni, hontou ni takusan dete kuru onomatope o, taikan shinagara oboeru chansu nan desu yo!
In other words, during this rainy season, it’s a chance to learn many onomatopoeias that come out like mold, by experiencing them firsthand!

体感して覚える、そう、エピソードとして記憶に残すチャンス！
Taikan shite oboeru, sou, episo-do to shite kioku ni nokosu chansu!
Experiencing them directly helps you remember them as episodes in your memory!

Hidari-sensei:

あ～なるほど。それはそうかもしれません。
Aa~ naruhodo. Sore wa sou kamoshiremasen.
Ah, I see. That might be true.

しかも、日本人が好きな天気の話題ですしね～。役に立つ！
Shikamo, Nihonjin ga suki na tenki no wadai desu shi ne~. Yaku ni tatsu!
Moreover, it’s a weather topic that Japanese people like, so it’s useful!

Nagai-sensei:

そうなんですよ！毎日使えるチャンスなんです！
Sou nan desu yo! Mainichi tsukaeru chansu nan desu!
Exactly! It’s a chance to use it every day!

先生ちょっとまたモデル会話やってみましょうか。
Sensei chotto mata moderu kaiwa yatte mimashou ka.
Shall we do a model conversation again, Sensei?

Hidari-sensei:

はい。いいですよ！
Hai. Ii desu yo!
Yes, that’s fine!

Nagai-sensei:

あ、おはようございます先生～！今日も雨ですね～。
A, ohayou gozaimasu sensei~! Kyou mo ame desu ne~.
Ah, good morning, Sensei! It’s raining again today, isn’t it?

Hidari-sensei:

あ、おはようございます。そうですね～。毎日雨ですね～。ジョンさん…結構、濡れてますね。
A, ohayou gozaimasu. Sou desu ne~. Mainichi ame desu ne~. Jon-san… kekkou, nurete masu ne.
Ah, good morning. Yes, it’s raining every day. John… you’re quite wet, aren’t you?

Nagai-sensei:

駅に着いた時はポツポツだったので、走ってきたんですけど、学校に来る途中でザーザーになってしまって…。
Eki ni tsuita toki wa potsu-potsu datta node, hashitte kita n desu kedo, gakkou ni kuru tochuu de zaa-zaa ni natte shimatte….
When I arrived at the station, it was just drizzling, so I ran, but on the way to school it started pouring heavily…

靴の中もぐちゃぐちゃなんです。
Kutsu no naka mo gucha-gucha nan desu.
My shoes are soaked too.

Hidari-sensei:

そうですか…。ジョンさん、ちょっと…エアコン、寒いですか？ブルブル震えてますけど。ブルブルブルって。
Sou desu ka…. Jon-san, chotto… eakon, samui desu ka? Buruburu furuete masu kedo. Buruburu buru tte.
I see… John, is the air conditioning cold? You’re shivering, like buruburu bururu.

Nagai-sensei:

ああ、先生、ちょっと止めてもらってもいいですか？このままだとスマホみたいになっちゃうので…ブルブル、ブルブル。って
Aa, sensei, chotto yamete moratte mo ii desu ka? Kono mama da to sumaho mitai ni nacchau node… buruburu, buruburu. tte
Ah, Sensei, could you stop that for a moment? Otherwise, I’ll look like my phone… shaking, shaking.

Hidari-sensei:

しーーーーん。
Shiiiin.
Shiiiin.

Nagai-sensei:

あ、あの、しーんは言わないでしょ！普通、会話で！それは体感させなくていいんですよ！
A, ano, shiiin wa iwanaide sho! Futsuu, kaiwa de! Sore wa taikan sasenakute ii n desu yo!
Ah, don’t say “shiiin”! Normally, not in conversation! You don’t need to experience that one!

Hidari-sensei:

ま、こんな感じですかね～！
Ma, konna kanji desu ka ne~!
Well, something like this, right?

Nagai-sensei:

ええ、まあ最後ちょっとよくないですけど…こんな感じですよ。
Ee, maa saigo chotto yokunai desu kedo… konna kanji desu yo.
Yes, well, the ending isn’t great, but… that’s about it.

とにかく、梅雨の季節はだいたい1か月くらい続くので、オノマトペを覚えるいい練習のシーズンだと思って、雨の音をよく聞いて楽しんでみてはいかがでしょうか！？
Tonikaku, baiu no kisetsu wa daitai ikkagetsu kurai tsuzuku node, onomatope o oboeru ii renshuu no shiizun da to omotte, ame no oto o yoku kiite tanoshinde mite wa ikaga deshou ka!?
Anyway, the rainy season lasts about a month, so it’s a great time to practice onomatopoeia—listen to the sound of the rain and enjoy it!

Hidari-sensei:

はい、そして、その後は多分　「カラッ」と晴れるので、気分も「すっきり」過ごせると思います！
Hai, soshite, sono ato wa tabun “kara” to hareru node, kibun mo “sukkiri” sugoseru to omoimasu!
Yes, and after that, it will probably clear up nicely, so you can feel refreshed!

Nagai-sensei:

ああ、さすが！いいっすね～！それはぜひ体感してほしいです！！
Aa, sasuga! Ii ssune~! Sore wa zehi taikan shite hoshii desu!!
Ah, exactly! That’s great! I definitely want people to experience that!

はい。
Hai.
Yes.

ということでＣｏｔｏラジオ、本日もお時間となりました。
To iu koto de Coto rajio, honjitsu mo ojikan to narimashita.
So, that’s all for today’s Coto Radio.

本日もサポートいただきました、左先生ありがとうございます！
Honjitsu mo sapo-to itadakimashita, Hidari-sensei arigatou gozaimasu!
Thank you again, Hidari-sensei, for your support today!

Hidari-sensei:

はい、ありがとうございました。
Hai, arigatou gozaimashita.
Yes, thank you very much.

Nagai-sensei / Hidari-sensei:

それでは、また、次回～！！
Soredewa, mata, jikai~!!
Well then, see you next time!!

FAQ

When is the rainy season in Japan?

Typically from early June to mid-July, though it varies slightly by region. Okinawa starts earlier, while northern areas like Tohoku begin later.

What is tsuyu in Japanese?

Tsuyu, or the rainy season in Japan, refers to a period of continuous wet and humid weather that usually occurs from early June to mid-July. The word “tsuyu” literally means “plum rain” because it coincides with the ripening of plums. While not a typhoon season, tsuyu brings frequent rain showers, high humidity, and cloudy days.

Can I still travel during the rainy season in Japan?

Absolutely! Just pack smart. Rainy season travel can mean fewer crowds and lush green landscapes, especially at temples and shrines.

What clothes should I wear during rainy season in Japan?

Opt for light, quick-drying clothes. Avoid heavy denim or anything that takes long to dry. Quick-dry socks and breathable layers are best.