484 秋のイベントや食べ物😋🍂 etc #日本語ポッドキャスト

Summary

In this episode, Leila from Bite Size Japanese shares her thoughts on the arrival of autumn in Japan. She talks about the transition from the hot summer months to the cooler fall season, highlighting the pleasant weather and the abundance of seasonal foods like pumpkins, chestnuts, and rice. Leila explores the Japanese concept of 'Shokuyoku no Aki' (autumn appetite) and discusses other autumn activities, including reading and sports. She also touches on unique traditions like local sports events and Halloween celebrations. Leila expresses her love for autumn and recommends it as a great time to visit Japan, with its stunning foliage and mild weather.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, レイラ, introduces herself as part of the 'Bite Size Japanese' podcast and mentions the current time of the year, September 28, noting the transition to autumn in Japan.
• 🍂 Japanese summer lasts from June to August, and autumn begins in September, though this year, the summer heat extended well into September, making air conditioning essential.
• 🍁 レイラ is happy about the arrival of autumn, as it brings cooler weather and the enjoyment of autumn foods.
• 🍽️ Autumn in Japan is associated with '食欲の秋' (shokuyoku no aki), or 'the season of appetite,' where people feel a stronger desire to eat, similar to animals preparing for winter.
• 🍠 Popular autumn foods in Japan include fruits, pumpkins, chestnuts, and freshly harvested rice, making it a time of abundance and indulgence.
• 🐻 Just like animals like bears and squirrels, people also tend to gain weight in autumn by eating more before winter, following a natural pattern of preparing for colder months.
• 📚 '読書の秋' (dokushono aki), or 'the season of reading,' is another aspect of autumn in Japan, with people encouraged to read more books during this time, especially in schools.
• ⚽ 'スポーツの秋' (supotsu no aki), or 'the season of sports,' highlights the cooler weather, making it easier to engage in physical activities like sports events, including school athletic days.
• 🎽 In October, Japan celebrates 'Sports Day' on October 10th, which is a public holiday focused on physical activities, and local communities also organize athletic events like 'undokai.'
• 🎃 Halloween has gained popularity in Japan, with stores selling Halloween-themed sweets and treats as early as September, even though it's not widely celebrated as in Western countries.
• 🍃 Autumn is considered a favorite season for レイラ, as the cooler weather and delicious food create a comfortable atmosphere, perfect for wearing warm clothes and drinking hot beverages.
• 🍂 Autumn in Japan is also a great time to visit, with beautiful foliage and mild temperatures that make sightseeing easier and more enjoyable.

Q & A

What does the phrase '食欲の秋' (shokuyoku no aki) mean in Japanese culture?

'食欲の秋' means 'the season of appetite.' It's a term used in Japan to describe autumn as a time when people have a strong desire to eat due to the abundance of seasonal foods like fruit, pumpkins, chestnuts, and rice.

Why is autumn referred to as the 'season of appetite' in Japan?

Autumn is called the 'season of appetite' because it is a time when many crops are harvested, offering a variety of delicious seasonal foods, and the cooler weather often makes people hungrier.

What seasonal foods are commonly associated with autumn in Japan?

Autumn in Japan is associated with foods like fruit, pumpkins, chestnuts, and rice. These foods are plentiful during this season and are part of traditional autumn meals.

How does Layla compare the autumn food season to animals?

Layla compares autumn's abundance of food to animals like bears, squirrels, and deer, which eat more in autumn to prepare for the colder winter months, gaining weight in the process.

What other autumn-related phrases are commonly used in Japan?

Other than '食欲の秋' (shokuyoku no aki), autumn is also associated with '読書の秋' (dokusho no aki), meaning the 'season of reading,' and 'スポーツの秋' (supōtsu no aki), meaning the 'season of sports.'

Why is October 10th considered an important date in Japan during autumn?

October 10th is celebrated as 'Sports Day' in Japan, a national holiday dedicated to physical activities and sports. Schools and communities often organize sports events on this day.

What is unique about the sports events in Tomo-no-Ura town?

In Tomo-no-Ura, a town where Layla works, the locals organize their own sports day in October. This community event involves both adults and children, with some participants getting injured or suffering from heatstroke due to the intensity of the competition.

How does Layla describe her personal feelings about autumn?

Layla enjoys autumn because of the cooler weather, the opportunity to wear cozy clothing, drink warm beverages, and the delicious seasonal food. She also appreciates the autumn colors and finds it a peaceful, enjoyable season.

What does Layla recommend to tourists visiting Japan during autumn?

Layla recommends autumn as an ideal season for tourists visiting Japan because of the pleasant weather and the beautiful fall foliage, which creates stunning views, especially in the mountains and forests.

How does Layla mention Halloween in her discussion of autumn?

Layla briefly mentions Halloween, noting that while she doesn't celebrate it much, it has become popular in Japan. Stores sell Halloween-themed sweets and decorations, and cafes offer Halloween drinks during the season.