The rainy season has set in throughout Japan except in Hokkaido.

To get ready for “tsuyu,”,the infamous rainy season which lasts for about a month,

and scorching hot weather in summer,

Japanese people change into their summer clothes on June 1st.

Traditionally we change the clothes twice a year, known as koromo-gae, in June and October.

Behind this custom is that Japan has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Summer weather and winter weather are clearly distinct.

Generally, the summer clothes are light in cool- feeling- giving colored

and the winter wear are thick in dark colors.

Koromo-gae has been passed down since the 8th century.

when it started as a noble custom.

After the 15th century, the custom spread to the general public.

Recently, the change of seasons has not been clear because of global warming.

Many people, especially the younger generation chooses what to wear depending on

how hot or cold it is rather than sticking to the seasonal rules.

As a result, the 12oo-year-old custom seems to fade out.

On the contrary, the tradition is still strictly kept for traditional Japanese clothing, or kimono ;

An unlined kimono is worn during summer. and a lined one used for winter.

Even many companies and schools change their winter uniform into summer one on June 1st.

A businessman does too.  Like it or not, he wears summer suits to work comfortably from June 1st.to October 1st.