This morning in Urasoe, Okinawa, the skies are clear, with temperatures around 30°C and humidity at 74%—the air has that classic midsummer feel. At this time of year in Okinawa, the heat tends to build up early in the morning, and our daily rhythms are often influenced by the weather. Today, I’ll be documenting what this morning was like in Minatogawa and sharing a glimpse into our daily caregiving life.
🌅 The Morning Air in Minatogawa and Signs of the Season
The temperature was already high before dawn, and standing by the window, I could feel the heat seeping through. The cicadas’ chirping rang out even more vigorously, and a midsummer morning typical of Minatogawa unfolded before us.
I’d woken up several times during the night due to the stifling heat, so I greeted this morning still feeling a bit sleep-deprived from the past few days. With the high humidity and the oppressive heat combined, the atmosphere felt like “Okinawan summer is really kicking into high gear.”
👵 My Mother’s Health and Morning Care Routine
This morning began when my mother complained, “My gums hurt.” She wears full dentures, and when she’s not feeling well, the dentures don’t fit properly, which can cause pain.
I prepared some rice porridge and gently woke her up while the TV news played in the background, but we went through a back-and-forth of “She’s still asleep” and “She won’t wake up,” and it wasn’t until a while later that she finally got up.
I had her drink some tea a few times, and just as she was starting to wake up, she began eating the porridge. Adding “abura miso” and “Gohan-desu-yo” seemed to make it easier for her to eat, and she ended up finishing the whole bowl. After breakfast, we spent some quiet time watching the news.
🏢 Off to Urasoe City’s Senior Welfare Program, “Iki-Iki Health Club”
Today was the day for the “Iki-Iki Health Club,” a senior welfare program run by the Urasoe City Government.
When I asked my mother, “Do you want to go?” she replied, “Yes.” Even though she grumbled a bit while I was getting her ready, she got herself all set and headed out.
At the club, they do vital sign checks like blood pressure and weight measurements, light exercise, and chat with people from the neighborhood. Since it’s held in the apartment building’s meeting room, elderly residents from the neighborhood also participate, and my mom seems to look forward to seeing her friends there.
My mom has integrated into the community even more than I have, and sometimes she even gets phone calls from people in the nearby apartment building. I feel like these interactions serve as a nice change of pace for her.
🌞 Practical Tips for Getting Through Okinawa’s Summer
In the height of summer in Okinawa, humidity is high from the morning onward, and heatstroke alerts are frequently issued. In coastal areas like Minatogawa, the temperature can rise sharply as soon as the breeze dies down, so it’s very important to “ensure good ventilation indoors first thing in the morning.”
- Additionally, for families providing care,
- encouraging frequent hydration in the morning
- choosing easily digestible foods for meals,
and carefully managing the indoor temperature—these small, season-appropriate adjustments help make daily life more manageable.
🌺 Summary
This morning in Minatogawa was once again enveloped in strong, summery sunlight and humidity. The morning hours spent caring for my mother, while keeping a close eye on her health, are hectic yet precious moments. The heat continues, but let’s take it easy today and have a day that doesn’t push us too hard.
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