Atsui desu ne (It's hot, isn't it)

In the Summer, in Tokyo, Japan, it get's hot.  It's pretty much hot everyday from the end of rainy season (June) through to September.  "Hot" means a daily high of somewhere around the low 30s and can, in August, get into the high 30s.  Plus there's humidity - usually that's quite high. So... it's hot.  This is normal.  But its normality doesn't stop the phrase "Atsui desu ne" being said a lot... really a lot. Yes, it's hot (atsui), it's not even really said as a question but a statement and the correct response is something like "Hai, atsui desu" or "Yes, it's hot".  I don't think it's possible to go out in the summer and not hear this phrase at some point.

So what do Tokyoites do in the Summer heat?  Go to the park (Yoyogi Park in this case)

Atsui desu ne

 

Atsui desu ne

 

Atsui desu ne

 

 

 

So, I think those photos give you idea of the fact it was rather atsui (hot) and the park proved a popular place, amongst the men at least, to strip down and catch some rays.

 

But not everyone was just lying around, despite the heat there was some activity in the park.

 

Again, a man with some soapy water and a way to make big bubbles was proving a hit with the kids.

 

 

This couple were cooling off by the pond and fountains under the shade of the trees.

Art in the park - these mums and their kids were being sketched.

Some hoopers get their hoop on

 

 

And finally, despite the heat, this very eye-catching and very energetic group were practicing a dance routine, I am not sure what for but they were certainly putting everything into this rehearsal.

 

 

 And so if you are ever here in the summer, listen for it: "Atsui desu ne"