transparent

In fact, seawater is transparent. If you scoop some up with your hand, you can clearly see that the water is clear. It looks blue because when sunlight hits the sea, blue light is the least absorbed and remains to be reflected. Our eyes determine color based on the light that’s reflected. Since the water itself doesn’t have a color, the shade of blue changes depending on the intensity of the light.

A-grade egg

When you think of ramune in a glass bottle, you picture the round glass marble in the mouth of the bottle, right? This marble is called an “A-dama.” The name A-dama has been used affectionately since the Meiji era, when bottled ramune was invented in Japan. The A-dama also serves firmly as a stopper inside the bottle. The mechanism of bottled ramune, which fascinates both adults and children, makes for an exciting, summer-only experience.

cheese

In Greece, there is a custom of eating cheese with watermelon. In particular, a salty white cheese called feta is commonly enjoyed. The sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the cheese pair perfectly, making it a popular, refreshing summer snack. Although you don’t see it often in Japan, it’s a staple way of eating in Greek homes and restaurants. This combination is also said to help with hydration and coping with the heat due to its saltiness.

sweet red bean soup

Sōmen are now commonly eaten dipped in mentsuyu (noodle dipping sauce), but records show that in old Japan they were eaten dipped in sweet red bean soup. Back then they were also used as preserved food, and people enjoyed seasonings and ways of eating that were completely different from today. Over time, eating styles changed and shifted to the mentsuyu used today.

water

Cucumbers are actually vegetables with a very high water content—over 90% of them is water. Because of this, eating them in the hot summer can help cool your body. Thanks to their high water content, they’re perfect for preventing summer fatigue and for when you’re a little thirsty. They’re tasty raw and are often used in salads.

Because it lasts long.

Mosquito coils are shaped like spirals so they can keep producing smoke for as long as possible. By making them spiral-shaped, a single stick of incense can be compactly arranged while providing a long burn path. If it were straight, it would burn out quickly, but as a spiral it burns slowly toward the center, allowing the same amount to last longer. Mosquito coils are designed to help you stay comfortable on summer nights.

Heian period

Shaved ice, a quintessential summer treat, has existed since long ago and was already eaten in the Heian period. It’s said that nobles in those days would cut natural ice in the summer, shave it thinly, and eat it with sweet syrup. It wasn’t until much later that ordinary people could enjoy it casually, but it’s a beloved food that has been cherished for over a thousand years.