The Elements: Rain/Snow/Humidity

Snow; 仙台の降雪 :

 

Rain; 仙台での雨 :

Humidity; 団扇:

Things to note:

1. Sendai's rainy season usually begins in late June to early July, which is later than in most cities in Japan. During this season, cold winds from the Okhotsk air mass, called "Yamase", blow in and depress daytime highs. Extremes range from −11.7 to +36.8 °C (11 to 98 °F)
2. No central heating in mission homes or investigators homes. It's not as common to heat the entire house in Japan. If they have heaters, "Generally, they just heat one room at a time."
3. Bicycling in the snow. It happens in Japan.
4. Wear slippers inside your home. The floor gets very cold. In investigators homes, wear warm socks. It's customary to take your shoes off at the door. Wear shoes/boots that slip on and off easily.
   (My Grandmother is Japanese and she still does this even in America.)
5. Water + Water = No evaporation. Your body uses water to regulate temperature by evaporating sweat, hence, the cooling effect. This works well when the air is dry. In Japan, the air is damp and heavy, so it can't evaporate very well causing the body to overheat. Paper fans are cheap and help or, if you prefer, you can use a dry cloth to pat dry. Cold + Water = Ice. In the cold, cover up to prevent frost bite. Warm + Wet = Mildew (stinky). There is a reason Japan takes extra care to stay clean. Your shoes and feet will need some extra attention after being on them so long. Cleanse them at the end of each day. Switch socks and shoes often. Let them dry before using them again.
   (My Grandmother loves the dryer, but not everyone in Japan has a dryer. She says most clothes are lightly damp after you hang dry them because of the humidity)
6. Layering helps. While your home may be cold, unless you can afford a Kerosene heater or a "Kotatsu" (My Grandmother's favorite), you will enter investigators homes where your 'all in one' winter coat will be too hot, but too cold when you remove it. It's better to have layers to remove them as needed.