Kia ora Koutou, Tim Bunting, Kiwi Yamabushi here on the Japan you never knew you wanted to know.
I like to tell people I’m essentially a 6’2 lobster.
If it’s not mountains, I’m swimming laps in the pool, including our city’s outdoor 50m (one of the main reasons we hosted the NZ Triathlon Team during Tokyo 2020). However, I’m yet to come across anyone in Japan with fairer skin than me. If I’m not careful, I come out of the pool with a red back and white underbelly, not unlike the most delicious of crustaceans.
In other words, I try very hard to combat the sun.
As any nature-lover would understand, this is no easy feat. Luckily, though, I live in one of the best countries in the world for fighting against the sun, despite what its moniker would tell you.
For example, the newest addition to my Yamabushi kit is a FreezeTech undershirt, a shirt that cools down as you sweat. I was surprised it actually worked, and this was especially helpful during this year’s summer on the mountains. I’m definitely going to be adding a few more of these to my kit for next time (although our cotton Shiroshozoku garments should probably be the first port of call…).
Keep out of the sun
Or perhaps, like the sun shade says, maybe I should just keep out of the sun?
I for one was really surprised to find modern-day ninjas at the local school’s sports day; women covered head to toe with only a small slit under their giant hats for vision. Someone should tell them bright floral patterns aren’t very ninjalike. At least they stop the sun from seeing them I guess.
Speaking about things to combat the burning sun, I really enjoyed this article in Leon’s Hidden Japan Substack.
Anyway, there were a few things in Leon’s article I hadn’t considered about the sun and Japanese people. For one, Japanese sunblock is actually that good, a great thing for us 6’2 lobsters.
The one thing I must say though, is that I think Japanese people don’t wear sunglasses as much as westerners simply because they don’t need to. Multiple times I have been squinting or otherwise cowering from the sun while the Japanese people around me seem completely unfazed.
Just me? I’d love your thoughts. But before that, definitely give this insightful article a read! And maybe give Leon some love while you’re at it (and yes, I understand he is an Australian).
Daizumori-yama Video Up Now!
Number 31 on my list of 100 Famous Mountains of Yamagata is Daizumori-yama. Boy was this a doozy!
For those who missed it, Daizumori-yama is essentially a short hike to a lookout at the summit of a massive mountain forest. The trailhead is a bit hard to get to, but once you’re there, it’s only a little bit further to simply astounding views.
If anything, you should at least watch the first 3 or so minutes for some of the best views in Tohoku.
Daily Yamabushi for This Week
Daily Yamabushi posts for the week of October 21 to 27, 2023.
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Mountains of Wisdom: Tell Your Friends!
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Ka kite ano.
Tim.
Thanks for the shoutout Tim! Love that you have a different take (obstructed view?) of how sunglasses work in Japan. I know for myself that the sun is just as bright here but maybe Japanese people don't perceive it as such!