Japan's rainy season ended at the earliest date on record in the western regions as climate change makes global weather patterns less predictable. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/27/japan/rainy-season-ends-in-western-japan/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #rainyseason #meteorologicalagency #kyoto #kyushu
A regional trading house in Kyoto has been working to help preserve local traditional crafts by incorporating them into building materials and home decor. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/27/japan/kyoto-trading-firm-preserves-traditional-crafts/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=mastodon #japan #kyotoamplitude #kyoto #japanesecrafts #kyotochuoshinkinbank





Maple leaves are famously celebrated at the end of their short life, when they bow out in spectacular yellows and reds...but their appearance in Kyōto is also cause for cheer.
Shinryoku (新緑 'new green') describes this period of dazzling fresh leaves (and is not limited to maple trees).




fresh new leaves-
the cat and the crow
quarrel
若葉して猫と烏と喧嘩哉
-Kobayashi Issa (小林一茶), 1821.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
Jōjakkō-ji (常寂光寺) is the realm of Kurobee (くろべえ), a gorgeous black cat that lives in the ticket hut.




The rain goes by many names at this time of year...
🌧️Saikau (催花雨) = spring rain that hastens the blooming of flowers
🌧️Kokū (穀雨 April 20ish) = "grain rain"
🌧️Zuiu (瑞雨) = rain that helps grain crops sprout
🌧️Kanu (甘雨) = rain that falls at the right time to moisten plants
Maple leaves are famously celebrated at the end of their short life, when they bow out in spectacular yellows and reds...but their appearance in Kyōto is also cause for cheer.
Shinryoku (新緑 'new green') describes this period of dazzling fresh leaves (and is not limited to maple trees).



