This was the comment of a Japanese friend when she saw me in a short sleeved shirt on a mid-October morning several years ago. The first of October is the day everyone thinks about switching to long sleeves here in Tokyo. The school kids wearing uniforms change over on this day. I had an American friend who worked a while for IBM in Tokyo who was adamant that long sleeves were required as of October first when working there.
Of course, I didn't grow up in Japan, but in America, where everyone is supposed to read the weather forcast or stick their head outside before dressing for the day. Establishing a day to change over goes against the grain of our independent spirit.
My friend's comment really stopped me for a minute, trying to equate strength and short sleeves. I guess it still does.
4 comments:
Happy October! Those poor school kids are in for some problems because the weather people are advising not to change as it will be hot again later in the month.
The higanbana are out and red feathers are in. (today is the day to donate to the community chest)
The kids I saw on the bus yesterday looked pretty miserable in their summer uniforms with the cold rain we had.
I find it amazing when my kids are all wrapped up & little Japanese kids go passed in their little uniform shorts! Warm wishes to you on this rainy day, from someone who likes to quilt too, in Setagaya, Tokyo.
Thanks Xue, for commenting on some of my posts. I know what you're saying about the shorts! It just seems like there's a disconnect between what the conditions are outside and what you should wear.
May I ask how your name is pronounced? Also, do you belong to any quilt groups, clubs, classes?
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