This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the weather is sunny, with a temperature of around 31°C and humidity at 66%, enveloping us in a distinctly summery atmosphere. At this time of year in Okinawa, the intense sunlight and muggy heat persist, and our daily rhythms tend to be influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting this morning’s scene and my daily life.
🌅 The Morning Air and the Feeling of Today
Stepping out onto the balcony, I see the blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see, and if I listen closely, I can hear the chirping of cicadas. The breeze is light, and it’s a calm morning in Urasoe with no sign of a typhoon yet. Although the humidity is on the high side, as the sunlight streams in, it makes me think, “Summer is here again today”—a quintessentially Okinawan start to the day.
👵 My Mother’s Health and a Leisurely Morning
I woke up a little later than usual this morning. About a week ago, my mother suffered from repeated bouts of diarrhea and vomiting; although she’s finally settled down, she hasn’t fully regained her strength yet. Since recovery takes longer as you get older, we decided she’d skip day care today.
I, too, had been pulling all-nighters nursing her and was feeling drained, so it turned into a “take it easy” morning for both of us. Summer in Okinawa is a season that easily saps your energy. On days like this, it’s important to embrace the slow passage of time.
🎋 Thoughts on a Tanabata Morning
Today is July 7th, Tanabata. I remember when I was a child, writing wishes on bamboo leaves at kindergarten and bringing them home. I’m sure I wrote simple, innocent wishes like “May my family stay healthy” or “May I do well in my studies,” but I can’t recall them now.
Now that I’m an adult, my wishes have become more down-to-earth—like “I hope I win the lottery”—but that, too, is part of the flavor of life.
Tanabata in Okinawa is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, so its meaning is slightly different. It’s a day to tell our ancestors, “Obon is coming soon,” so we clean the family altar, offer tea, water, and flowers, and quietly put our hands together in prayer. Unlike Tanabata on the mainland, it’s a solemn and peaceful day. It’s also a day to shift our mindset, as preparations for Obon begin from here.
Today is July 7
Today, July 7th, is “Tanabata” (the Star Festival) in Japan. This beautiful tradition comes from an ancient legend of two lovers, Orihime (the Weaver Star) and Hikoboshi (the Cowherd Star).
Separated by the Milky Way, they are allowed to cross the river of stars and meet only once a year—on this very night. People write their wishes on colorful paper strips and look up at the July sky, hoping the weather stays clear so the two stars can finally reunite.
🌀 Preparing for a Typhoon and Life in Okinawa
Forecasts indicate a strong typhoon is approaching this weekend. Although its path is slightly off course, the rain and wind are expected to intensify. After a typhoon, vegetable distribution often slows down, and it’s common in Okinawa during the summer for prices to rise and supplies to run low for a while.
I plan to go grocery shopping for vegetables today or tomorrow. Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and northern Taiwan are particularly at risk of significant impact, so I hope everyone there stays safe.
🌿 Practical Tips for This Time of Year
The height of summer in Okinawa is a time when high humidity and temperatures can easily sap your energy.
- Get household chores and shopping done in the morning
- Replenish fluids and salt regularly
- Use air conditioning moderately and keep the room temperature around 28°C
- Elderly people should rest “before they feel tired”
These small adjustments go a long way toward staying healthy during the summer.
✨ Summary
It’s a mild, sunny morning in Urasoe. With the changing seasons, my family’s well-being, and the quiet atmosphere of Tanabata all coming together, it looks like it’s going to be a day that brings a little peace to my heart. I’d like to take it easy again today and go at a pace that doesn’t push me too hard.
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