JET in Fukushima: Seasons Autumn

Scenery

With the comming of autumn, a variety of fruits are are harvested and farmers begin their reaping of golden rice plants. In various localities, harvest festivals and autumn festivals are held to express gratitude for the blessings of nature. Numerous fruits and mountain vegetables are put on display in front of grocery stores, and at this time one feels clearly the richness of nature in Fukushima. When the reaping of rice has almost finished, autumn colors begin to appear on mountainsides and gradually descend. Visitors flock to mountain areas to enjoy the beautiful tinted foliage.

Life Styles

In August and September, numerous typhoons blast Japan from the south. Although Fukushima Prefecture's location ensures that it suffers relatively little damage from these storms, farmers preparing their harvest nevertheless carefully follow the path of each newborn typhoon. When the typhoon season ends, the climate stabilizes, and localities throughout Fukushima hold various festivals and sports events. At one such festival, imonikai (potato-cooking), families and other groups gather on riversides to cook and taste samples of the autumn harvest and enjoy the autumn colors of nearby mountains. As autumn advances and the temperature falls, the people of the Aizu region begin preparing for the heavy winter by nailing wooden panels on windowpanes to protect their homes from snow.

Annual Events

Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23)

As with Vernal Equinox Day, this is a time for visiting the graves of departed family members to pay respects.

Autumn Festivals (Around October)

During this time, shrines throughout the prefecture hold festivals to celebrate the successful harvest and express gratitude for the blessing of nature.

Sports Day (October 10)/Culture Day (November 3)

Sports Day, a national holiday,commemorates the inauguration of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Likewise a national holiday, Culture Day celebrates the promulgation of Japan's constitution in 1946. At these times, athletic meets and culture festivals are held at work places and schools in many communities.