9 essential items to survive summer in Japan🇯🇵

・As tourism in Japan has restarted, I think more people will come to Japan in the future.
So, today I would like to introduce 9 items that are essential to survive Japan’s summer life!
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Subscribe and become a friend today: / samuraimatcha
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00:00 Intro
00:35 Uchiwa
01:16 Cooling Wet Wipes
01:37 Sandals
02:20 Yukata
03:00 Tenugui
03:23 AIRism Shirts and Shorts
04:43 A Wind Chime
05:26 Tatami
THINGS MENTIONED:
Many people have been asking me how to buy things that I use,
so I tried to find products that is the same or similar to my items on amazon in the USA and JPNAN. (Please ask yourself, “Does this spark joy？“ before buying it.)
・ Montbell Sandals
　Montbell USA　▶︎▶︎▶︎www.montbell.us/products/disp...
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3yCwRSY
・Tatami floor
　Amazon USA　▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3eRwRnL
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3zdCYvD
・Tenugui
　Amazon USA　▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3ny9l39
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3bN7THJ　
・Wind chime
　Amazon USA　▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3unp5do
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3yg0nws
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CAMERA GEAR:
・Camera sony α6400
　Amazon USA　▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3sW2KU4
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3wpQRG8
・SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN
　Amazon USA▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/32Xfnn2
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3wnRfVz
・Ulanzi Claw Quick Release Clamp with Arca
　Amazon USA▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3N7E9Td
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/38rTf7g
・Neewer Camera Tripod
　Amazon USA▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/3N7E9Td
　Amazon JAPAN▶︎▶︎▶︎amzn.to/37BPJa3
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MUSIC:
・Epidemic Sound
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REFERENCES:
・サトふる（Yukatabira）
▶︎www.satofull.jp/products/deta...
・君の名は（Your name）
▶︎ / 1047616715163545600
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BE MY FRIEND:
BLOG samuraijourney.com/​
INSTAGRAM / samuraimatcha.journey
FACEBOOK / mizuno.akihito​
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GET IN TOUCH:
If you’d like to talk, feel free to email me at [e-mail] I try my best to reply to things but there sadly aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everyone...

[@hbuzzell]

I just started sleeping on a tatami and a Japanese floor mattress and it is changing the way I sleep. Thanks for the great minimalist ideas that help us to improve our lives. I live in a hot and dry mountain area in the US and staying cool is definitely something to know how to do.

[@xkarea2]

What does one need to sleep daily on it?

[@contempl8ive]

I want to try it too but I haven’t found a good sleeping pad yet

[@xkarea2]

@@contempl8ive apparently you have a flat tatami on the ground, a thick tatami mattress on top. Then a futon mattress and on top of that your pillow and blanket.

[@hbuzzell]

I have a twin XL tatami mat and a twin xl traditional 3 in floor mattress. I also have a zippered cover for my mattress. I just use my regular pillows and blankets. I didn’t sleep very complicated when I had a bed.

[@arleneehrlinspiel5232]

I just started doing the same, my back thanks me every morning. The up side is that when it is too hot upstairs I move the tatami mat and the Japanese floor mattress down stairs where it is cooler.

[@heatherhammerquist6239]

I’m from Celtic ancestry, & I grew up with the superstition that wind chimes would keep mischievous fairies out of the home. We would commonly put a wind chime on each side of the house for protection. I still have chimes at both entrances to my house…just in case 😁

[@twostate7822]

I'll second the comment that Japan is hot and humid in the summer. I had a free day on a recent trip to Tokyo and had a couple of outdoor places to visit on my list. I walked out of the hotel, felt a blast of air that felt like a hot oven, walked about 100 yards, and turned around and went back to the hotel to look up some other things to do that were inside. While not Japanese inspired, I like wearing a floppy hat that keeps the sun mostly off my face, ears and neck. Another thing I've been using in the summer was inspired by watching golfers during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when temperatures were sweltering. Many of them were wearing long sleeve undershirts under their short sleeve shirts so I wondered what was going on. I did a little research, and they were wearing moisture wicking fabric long sleeve shirts that reflect the sun off arms and keep the wearers cooler. That was good enough for me so I bought a package, and they do work. I also bring an insulated metal travel mug and fill it with ice/cold water before going out so I can stay hydrated.

[@Samuraikarlo_221]

Aki, you truly are an inspiration for many. I humbly thank you for showing us your culture and cultural beliefs. Thank you 🙏

[@leonorgalizzi976]

I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the summer was extreme due to global warming, I use a bottle of water spray to cool my face and body, I recommend it.

[@maryhopkins6518]

I lived in Japan from 1969 -1974. It brings back so many memories watching your videos❤️❤️❤️

[@emptylanternmedia2248]

This is quickly becoming my favorite youtube channel right next to lets ask shogo

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you;-D I know Shogo-san too!

[@askartalkenov1]

Love the content, keep it up!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

You are the first! Thank you!!

[@Paula-wn6do]

That's a great list with some helpful ideas! However, I'd try to find an alternative to wet wipes, like a reusable cotton cloth maybe? Wet wipes are generally not biodegradable despite appearing paper-like, and often end up in rivers and oceans, creating a threat to wildlife when ingested. Also, it is not ideal to flush them down the toilet. In Australia, aside from the risk to our oceans, waterways and wildlife, it is estimated that Australian water utilities spend $15 million each year removing wet wipes from sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. I work at a wildlife park and wet wipes are one of the most common pieces of waste that visitors leave lying around. Very frustrating. I understand that in some situations they may be really useful, but if you can find an earth-friendly alternative, please do 🙂

[@sashizakura9124]

This I totally agree with! Wet wipes feel like such a waste to me, so I carry around not a tenugui, but what we call in my house a simple "sweat towel". Just one of those small square shaped wash cloths they sell everywhere here. Along with that, if I can't find water from a sink somewhere to wet my skin with, I've usually got a small plastic bottle filled with water and maybe a drop of a cooling essential oil like spearmint. Spritz it on, then wipe it down with the sweat towel! On the hottest days, just the towel itself will do, though! Your skin is already wet from sweat!! :)

[@bvillebikelady3651]

Your shorts under your kimono gave me a great idea: dig out my pantalet patterns and fabric for under skirts. I already use a selection of bandanas for sweat catching, and a folding fan. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@robertfrancismoir]

Aki I truly LOVE your videos !!! I’d love to visit you in your beautiful village…. such a gently happy enthusiastic soul 🤍.

[@kanecitizen]

a few more subscribers and you'll hit 100k! thank you for the ideas and inspiration, I've been slowly but surely reducing my total amount of possessions and I can already feel a weight being lifted off my shoulders.

[@WhatashameMaryJane]

I loved it! Tatami looks very interesting and a great eco friendly alternative to the yoga mat. I find the wind chime also a nice summery addition. Thanks for the tip on Uniqlo underwear, now I know what to gift to my husband to make his summers more manageable! Here in NYC it's also very humid and hot.

[@katied.8724]

Love your videos and personality :) Thank you!

[@ivonneleaty8501]

I so enjoy your videos. I liked all the items but my favorite the sandles and the fan and wind chime.

[@miggysmallzzzz]

Hey Aki, I love your videos! I enjoy learning more about Japanese culture and your advice/tips on a minimalist lifestyle. I also always appreciate you sharing links on how to purchase similar items that you talk about. Keep up the great content! I hope to visit Japan soon. Cheers!

[@shiminjiang728]

Oh, yeah~ My Chinese fan made of bamboo saved me many times instead of air conditioning. Aki~san! I've already bought the kontex tenugui and I really like it, as u said it dries faster than towels and it is so light, also I like the patterns of it, so beautiful. I realized I already had a tenugui, my friend gave me as a gift once, but I didn't know how to use it, so I used to to use as a pillow cover, so easy to change it, but now I am using as a towel too. I would like to try those sandals too! They look so comfortable! For me, in summer I will happily survive with cold fruits from the fridge, especially suika! And a lot a lot of water. Oh, short shorts also helped me a lot instead of pants, they are so fresh!~ ☺ Recently not only in Japan, but also in China we have been experiencing high temperature weather, but because I live in Beijing, it is not as humid as Japan, so I can't imagine. Thanks for sharing! Take care~ Aki~san.

[@GuitarSlayer136]

INSTEAD of air conditioning??? Remind me never to challenge YOU to an arm wrestling match!

[@elimac1462]

Another wonderful video, Aki, thank you. Pocari Sweat drink is excellent to help stay hydrated in the humidity as well.

[@Lisatwade]

Love this! I enjoy all your content about living in Japan

[@emptylanternmedia2248]

I started wearing kimonos and similar style clothing to help relieve eczema related discomfort and now theyre essential parts of my wardrobe

[@shiminjiang728]

Where did u buy it? I would like to but one too, but I am not so confident about wearing a kimono in China. 😢

[@MunaSoto]

I really enjoy your videos and the way you show us the Japanese culture. I am from Argentina and seeing you drinking matcha made me wander a lit bit more about our national drink, mate. I went to check the difference between matcha and mate and interestingly, both are really healthy drinks. And for us, though we do not have a mate ceremony, it is almost like a ritual: preparing it, drinking it with your family, friends, or even alone, etc. Continue with your fantastic videos, please!

[@Aloszka7]

Great advice! Wet wipes and uchiwa and tons of drinking are what made me survive Japanese summer.

[@Eis4Electric]

Thanks for sharing those sandals. Sandals are my go-to footwear in the summer and the sandals you presented here look really comfortable.

[@FrootKat]

This is all very useful as UK summers are also very humid and recently quite hot. Thank you!

[@CoffeesChypresBooks]

Thank you for this list - I like everything on you list, but especially the fan, the tenagui, and the tatami. I really enjoy your videos - keep up the good work!

[@diw2756]

Also, 10. Eat shaved ice or ‘kakigori’ this is usually what I get during summers in Japan ;my favourite is the one with green tea -Ujikintoki??🤤🤤it’s so good especially the ones in Kyoto!

[@maazzzaa]

I love the sandals and shorts! Thanks mate!

[@ericarougelazarus9453]

I used to hide in temples in the summer while I was studying in Kyoto. I would sit on the tatami and enjoy the smell and coolness.

[@savannahcheek2049]

Thank you for this. I am traveling to Japan next month I will definitely look into the cooling wipes and some nice breathable moisture wicking undies

[@lorisanford1156]

Always love your videos and look forward to them. I love having a peek into life in Japan.

[@markbuten1728]

30 years ago I had sandals with tatami mat and soft cotton strap, they helped keep my feet from sweating in summer. I didn’t have socks to fit so I didn’t wear them in cool weather.

[@justcrunchyenough4363]

Hi Aki! Your video brought back happy memories from my time in Japan! I would add my personal necessity for Summer in Japan - a UV umbrella and gloves! So helpful from the bright sun! Always with sunscreen, too, of course! Have a great day!

[@meikas3536]

I loved the wind bell !! Congratulations for your videos and your lifestyle , you are an inspiration. Make a video in the future about your village and your life before moving there , we would love to see what inspired you .

[@dionnepovey922]

Thanks for this checklist. I'm not planning on visiting Japan this Summer but your tips are really handy. Thank you. D

[@Shelley-Nicole]

Ahhh with the robes originally used for bathing, made me think of how the dressing gowns most people use today may of come from?! 🤔👍 Lovely video thank you💖

[@piretkokk2832]

My essentials for summer are sunglasses with UV protection, hat with a wider rim, water bottle, sunscreen, sandals, linen clothes, umbrella, which I use as protection from sun, and water melons 😀

[@laTtruc]

thanks so much, I 'll have a plan to Japan, so It's really useful for me ❤️

[@miasydney2249]

I’m in love with your content .🥰

[@Minijessilalala]

I just laughed out really loudly in a quiet space at what you said about kimono 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KinakoSpecialist]

Awesome topic! Thank you for introducing these essential items for life in Japan!

[@denismoreau3646]

Love learning Japanese traditions keep up the good videos.

[@atmashantideviyoginidayash7444]

Hi Aki 🙋🏻‍♀️, Enjoy your friendly outgoing personality! The videos are Great 👍🏼 Enjoying them very much, thank you! 🌈🫶🏼✨🌞I like the AiRism Shorts 🙆🏻‍♀️💕I went onto Amazon in the USA but they don’t have them. Where can I purchase them? Is there another name for them!?! I like that look and the thinness . I live on an island 🏝 off the coastline and it’s very hot too! Please let me know! Enjoying my knife and rice pot you showed on another video! ✨👍🏼☺️👍🏼✨☀️☀️🌞🌺💕🤗💕

[@jessgreen9295]

Love watching your videos from here in the UK xx

[@chrisbalcerek9226]

Love your videos-they are very soothing and insightful. I live in Alaska where our summers are more dry and hot during May/June and part of July. I love the clothing items you mentioned. My only addition would be a good SPF 50 sunblock. We burn even up here near the North Pole! 🤣🔥

[@geoallred1698]

Another great video!

[@audrey9561]

I love my teva sandals. They’re great for outdoor activities in the summer! I’m from the us so I would feel weird wearing a yukata but I wear a lot of loose, light colored linen shirts and skirts which has a similar effect, I’d imagine. I also adore Uniqlo airism products! They’re so comfortable for when I’m working outside in the heat.

[@kimonobachikyotojapan4669]

あずまやさんのKZbin LIVEを見てチャンネル登録しました👍 あっという間に１０万人登録達成してましたね‼️おめでとうございます㊗️子供達も喜んでくれたかな〜🎉㊗️

[@SamuraiMatcha]

ありがとうございます！l子どもたちからおめでと〜！と言われました！本当にやっててよかったなと思います。銀の盾はまだ届いていませんが、届いたら子どもたちにお披露目したいと思っています＾＾

[@jillknox1406]

I LOVE the beautiful glass wind chimes! 😍 Also, what a beautiful river!✨ My favorite way to cope with summer heat is to cool down with cold, iced drinks! My favorite summertime *treat* is a deliciously-flavored frappe coffee. 🥰

[@bethcameron5863]

I like the look of the trousers and also wind chime. Next time I’m in Japan I’m going to look for them.

[@MarkMark]

tatami instead of a yoga mat!! this is brilliant!! also, those wind chimes!! i am learning so much, thank you! ps note to self: don't go to japan in summer. ; )

[@BBsheepy]

Ohhhh those sandals looks good and comfy, will be coming to Japan in summer I'm so excited thanks for ur video

[@katrinabellingham4405]

Summer is very humid where I live also.

[@fancynancy2870]

Popsicles! The best hot weather treat :)

[@kushig2932]

lovely video as always! I miss natsumatsuri! it was the best!!!

[@thesquirrelcage1964]

Great video!

[@timriehl1500]

I just found your channel; love it and looking forward to watching more of your videos.

[@yakasu3943]

❤❣️ op

[@OrdoNekro]

Tenugui towels have changed my life lol The SoCal heat gets pretty intense in the summer and these are amazing versatile tools. I'd love to see more info on the Yukata, how to pick a good one, ethical vendors, etc :)

[@pamelasaw]

I just found your channel after searching for travel japan summer. Thank you so much for the great ideas, I am so going to get a apir of Montbell sandals...lol. ~ Pam from Malaysia

[@sonarharin3906]

i love your videos!! so nice and fun too. and i love seeing Japan through your lens. In summer I like to buy a watermelon and slice it up into small triangular slices (smaller than my hand) and freeze them, and then if i want Ice cream i just eat that instead and it is SO good.....

[@mariaceresito291]

i love your videos-!! greetings from Argentina

[@milymaj]

Thank you :)

[@karthikeyamaanvi6534]

Hi, like your videos.

[@Wow-xg3ni]

Your SLEEVES can be POCKETS too??? I loved the part where you pulled the tenugui out of your sleeve, haha! Tadaaa!

[@jayphillips4942]

Another awesome video, I definitely will check out those underwear and shorts since my wife and I are moving to Japan soon, and we live somewhere hot and humid now, today it was 36 degrees and 40% humidity! Thanks for the advice

[@themusingsofthemister3101]

I love your videos. Great job. Could you include the link for this shorts that extended post the knees? Please. Closed caption said Susuteko?

[@takerumum125]

初めまして！ 先日、あずまやざんの番組で拝見し、チャンネル登録させていただきました。 海外に向けての日本文化発信はとても素敵なことですね。このご時世、リアルな交流が難しいだけに、とても素晴らしい活動だと思いました。 日本の夏におすすめアイテム、なるほど〜と思うものばかり。ちゃんと新しいものも入っているところがいいですね。 でも最近は木や竹のうちわは滅多に見られないし、風鈴もエアコンの風に当てて鳴らすしかないかと思うくらい、窓を開けて涼むことをしなくなりました、いやできなくなりましたね。古き良き日本の風情をとても懐かしく拝見しました。 これからも動画を楽しみにしております。 時節柄、ご自愛くださいませ。

[@SamuraiMatcha]

ありがとうございます！あずまやさんには本当によくしていただいています。日本文化の素晴らしさは外国人ほどよく知っている印象があります！良さをどんどん発信していきたいですね！今後どもよろしくお願いします。

[@wabi_sabi8765]

Hey Aki, I live in Australia and was wondering where I could get an everyday Kimono and tatami mats. Have a great day 😊

[@fanatical56]

Hey mate. It seems “Japanache” in QLD are the only authentic seller of Japanese tatami mats and futons etc (I know cos I’m thinking of pulling the pin). Check them out if you’re still keen.

[@ombretta5147]

Grazie per le cose utili che ci hai illustrato!!?Vorrei visitare il tuo paese e adoro il tenugui!! bellissima soluzione!!!!👍👍👍👍🙋

[@pintoeatmyhw]

Congratulations on you 100k subscribers!

[@SamuraiMatcha]

Thank you!!! Thanks to you guys;-D

[@ladybirb]

I love the sound of furin! My neighbour has some that he bought in Japan. I can hear them right now 😊 I bought a Koshi wind-chime for our sun-room, too. It has a very relaxing, musical sound. Also, I just found out we have a Montbell store in Sydney 🎉 It gets very humid here in summer, too.

[@MariaMartinez-researcher]

Nice product placement.

[@bobcharlotte8724]

Cold beer... essential in Japanese summer lol

[@fabiolahuerta5368]

Hi! My island is so hot and humidity most of the year!!! We live in a eternal summer jejeje 😅😅😅 I don’t like cold so I live very happy here. Maybe one day you could come visit me. I’d love to. ❤❤❤

[@icalledthevoiditwent2voicemail]

I would love to know more about the traditional items if a Japanese house (the tatami being the inspiration for my curiosity). How are these items used, how do they take care of you, and how do you take care of them?

[@spoly8139]

So sorry to hear about the tragedy of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He was so well respected in the world.

[@Ricky911_]

Realistically speaking, there is only one item you're truly gonna need and that's air conditioning. Though I think having a wind chime certainly makes the general atmosphere a little cozier lol

[@laurapaolino212]

Hello! I'm a new subscriber from Uruguay. May you tell us what things you no longer buy? A couple days ago I wrote down how many things I don't buy and it's interesting how much money I saved along the years. Cotton buds, feminine pads, beauty products... Could you please make a video for us? 😃😃😃

[@DoeRaeMe]

my fav season too!!! Canada is HUMID too! Not a fan lol fannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn😂 literally first thing you mention lol

[@gennaroorofino7929]

Try lowering camera exposure

[@silviaconrad8401]

So,I lived in Okinawa when I was a kid,Japan's nextdoor right?it was around 85 year round with an ocean breeze because there islands,I don't remember it ever being hot.

[@pommom-cm1ej]

I am coming to Tokyo Japan October 10, 2023 and then on to Osaka October 15th to see my best friend. She was a foreign exchange student in 1997 to my highschool in the US in Ohio. We have been friends for over 20 years. I promised her that someday I will come see her and I am now coming in 3 months! She is like my Japanese sister and I have loved the Japanese culture ever since I met her!! I can't wait to go! I will explore alone at first in Tokyo and would love to meet up with new friends. Where is your village? I am also a content creator on KZbin and I will be documenting my journey. It would be so cool to meet up with a fellow KZbinr and do a double video and learn eachothers cultures! Let me know if your interested 😃🎉

[@aleksanderkac7530]

I have stayed for three weeks in Japan, in july 2003, being said one of the hottest years ever. Didn't find it really hot. Later that same july, Paris FR was way worse. It was humid in Japan, but not that bad. What we have now here in Europe, is like someone forgot the gates of Hell open. Humid, but 35°C. Japan 2003 was mild, compared.

[@pattismith1233]

hi Aki, love your the channel, but please stay away from wet wipes. Not eco. The cotton cloth and some water will do.

[@theSolitudeMonk]

100k soon.

[@HiKasandra]

団扇も使います、ときときに仕事で しかしシンガポでは団扇の文化は多分あんまり使いますね。でも団扇便利でcoolingと思います。Aki さんの動画見たときに、ちょっと悲しいけど、日本に短期で行くことができません。シンガポは has a quarantine upon return for certain segments of its citizens or other travellers. 笑。Faints.

[@SamuraiMatcha]

ありがとうございます！シンガポールでもぜひ使ってください；ーD

[@denise1665]

Thanks for your fantastic video. If you have time could you tell me what the trousers name is? They look brilliant and perfect for hot summers. Thanks in advance.

[@kabe2588]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@charlielinnell]

ahh, i want a pair of suteteko! been searching for this clothing style for a while now and they look really nice and cooling in the summer heat. if someone has any suggestion of where i can buy this online i would appreciate it! i live in sweden :)

[@user-ug5pc7he5g]

Is first week of july really hot?i love your videos by the way

[@laurasvanhal]

I'm going to Japan for the first time, end of May. I understood sandels/flip-flops wear not good footwear because yiu have bare feet in them. But now you tell me you do where sandals... is it rude to wear flip-flops without socks, if I would bring socks in my bag if I would enter a restaurant or temple where I have to take of my shoes? Thank you for helping me out! :) ps I've been cleaning the toilet daily after seeing one of your other videos and it really gives such a good feeling, great tip!!! Kind regards, Laura from The Netherlands

[@ivinitmittal]

👍🏻🔥

[@eroane]

I love my uchiwa which has Hajime (Artist) Art of cats…^___^❤❤❤❤❤ I want to visit Osaka and I also enjoy 納豆 and 食パン together and it’s so good…^___^❤❤❤ I have used my tenugui for cleaning at my home and my job…^____^ ビデオって本当に有難う御座います感謝してます

[@HappyGodFlower]

Water. Any cool Japanese water bottles?

[@uszatku9417]

You’re so lovely - you look so clean, handsome and happy. Best wishes to you from the U.K.

[@lucianamartins6257]

Os fogos de artifício no Japão nesses festivais são silenciosos ou são os comuns?

[@laylayalda9465]

The shirts and shorts airism where can I buy? Live in the US...thank you in advance 🙏

[@julienichols8598]

Does your room have a fan or air conditioning? As I get older, the less tolerant I seem to be to heat.

[@DLeadVox]

♨♨♨

[@HenkBartl]

the amount of plastic I see really hurts my heart Q.Q ( the yukata became a life safer when we reached the 40 degree in Germany!)