Alpha Japanese Language School in London

☔ Why Do So Many Japanese People Use Clear Umbrellas?
　
　
If you visit Japan during the rainy season, you may notice something unusual: clear plastic umbrellas are everywhere.
　
Known as “vinyl umbrellas” (biniiru-gasa), these inexpensive transparent umbrellas can be bought almost anywhere — from convenience stores to train stations and supermarkets.
　
In Japan, many people also tend to avoid getting wet even in light rain, so carrying or buying an umbrella is very common. It is not unusual to see umbrellas appear as soon as a few drops begin to fall.
　
Some people even keep several umbrellas at home — just in case!
　
Japan’s rainy season may be wet, but it has also created its own unique everyday culture.
　
　
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👔 Cool Biz — Why Japanese Offices Change in Early Summer
　
　
Around June, many offices in Japan begin a seasonal custom called “Cool Biz.”
　
　
Started by the Japanese government in 2005, Cool Biz encourages people to dress more casually in summer — for example, by removing jackets and neckties — in order to reduce air-conditioning use and save energy.
　
　
Although workplace dress codes vary, you may notice a clear change in office fashion around this time of year. It is a good example of how seasonal changes can influence daily life in Japan.
　
　
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Readers search the shelves of a 24-hour bookstore for the right words to get them onto the next chapter of their life stories. 📚🎥 ⬇️
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/4026252/?cid=wohk-fb-org
Document 72 Hours
At a Tokyo Bookstore That Never Sleeps

“I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese, but…”
　
　
　
Many people tell us the same thing:

“I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese, but I don’t know where to start.”
　
Or:
　
“I’m worried it might be too difficult.”

If that sounds familiar, our Beginner Japanese Course is designed with you in mind.
　
　
You do not need any previous knowledge.
　
✓ No Japanese grammar.
✓ No hiragana.
✓ No experience.
　
Just curiosity and an interest in learning.
　
　
Over 10 carefully structured lessons, you will gradually build confidence in Japanese through small-group teaching (maximum 3 students) and personalised support from professionally trained teachers.
　
By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, talk about everyday activities, and begin expressing simple ideas in Japanese.
　
　
📍 Online & Central London options available
🗓 Starting in June
👩‍🏫 Fully qualified teachers
👥 Maximum 3 students per class
　
If you have been thinking about starting Japanese for a while, this may be the perfect opportunity.
　
More information via the link in bio.

💜 Wisteria Season in Japan — A Different Kind of Spring Beauty

After the cherry blossom season ends, another beautiful flower begins to attract attention in Japan: wisteria (fuji in Japanese).

From late April to early May, many parks, temples, and gardens across Japan are covered with long, cascading clusters of purple, pink, and white flowers. Walking beneath a wisteria tunnel is a popular spring experience, and some locations even hold evening illuminations to create a magical atmosphere.

Wisteria has been admired in Japan for centuries and often appears in traditional art, kimono patterns, and poetry. It is appreciated not only for its beauty, but also for the calm and elegant feeling it creates.

Some famous spots for viewing wisteria include Ashikaga Flower Park, known for its spectacular illuminated displays, and Kawachi Wisteria Garden, famous for its stunning flower tunnels.

If cherry blossoms symbolise the beginning of spring, wisteria can be seen as one of the flowers that gently welcomes early summer in Japan.
　
　
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🍵 Shincha Season in Japan — Fresh Tea and Hachijū-hachiya
　
　
In Japan, early May marks the beginning of shincha season, when the year’s first freshly harvested green tea becomes available.
　
This season is traditionally linked to Hachijū-hachiya (“the 88th night”), a seasonal marker counted from the first day of spring in the traditional calendar. It has long been seen as an important time for tea harvesting.
　
Shincha (new tea) is made from the first tea leaves of the year and is especially valued for its fresh aroma and light, refreshing taste.
　
There is also a traditional saying that tea picked around Hachijū-hachiya brings good health and longevity, showing the long connection between tea and seasonal life in Japan.
　
Even after Hachijū-hachiya has passed, tea shops, cafés, and supermarkets across Japan continue to feature seasonal shincha throughout spring — making this a perfect time to enjoy a fresh cup of Japanese tea.
　
　
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🥳Golden Week — One of Japan’s Busiest Holiday Seasons🚅
　
　
In Japan, late April to early May is known as Golden Week, one of the longest holiday periods of the year.
　
　
Golden Week is created by several national holidays that fall close together, including Showa Day (a national holiday honoring Emperor Showa and the Showa era), Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and Children’s Day.
　
　
During this time, many people travel, visit family, or attend seasonal events. Trains, airports, and popular tourist destinations often become very busy as people make the most of the extended break.
　
　
Golden Week is an important time in Japan’s annual calendar and marks the transition from spring into early summer.
　
　
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