Sports Day!

The second Monday of October is Sports Day in Japan, a national holiday to foster healthy mind and bodies through physical activity. Since Sports Day is generally blessed with fine weather, it's when many elementary and middle schools schedule their field days.

Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking) in Color!

Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking)

* For coloring fun!

Japan has many wonderful beaches since it is surrounded by the sea. Suika-wari (watermelon-cracking) is one of the most popular of beach games: a person with a stick is blindfolded, spun around a few times, then guided by the audiences' directions towards the watermelon. Everyone gets one swing, and whoever cracks it open, wins. Of course, participants eat the watermelon after the game!! © Motoko Shimizu

Rainy Season!

 For Coloring Fun!

From around early June to mid-July, most of Japan is subject to a period of rainy weather called tsuyu. Day in and day out, the sky remains gloomy, and temperatures and humidity rise. But the early summer rain helps plants grow and flourish, and it's a valuable source of drinking water. © Motoko Shimizu

More Coloring Fun!!

 By Yasuko Hirukawa

 By Ma-kun, 3-year-old

 By Yamato, 7-year-old

By Ree

Children's Day!

For Coloring fun!

May 5th is Children's Day in Japan, when families celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children. Families with boys fly huge carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) outside the house and display dolls of famous warriors and other heroes inside.