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To stay cool, wear flowing robes and throw water around? Yes, says science.

In Japan's sweltering summer months, people have come up with ingenious ways to beat the heat. One such method is wearing dark, billowing robes and drinking tea, which has surprising science behind it.

By Hiroko Tabuchi·Jul 18·japantimes.co.jp·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

In Japan, people have been using traditional methods to stay cool in the summer, including wearing flowing robes and throwing water around. The science behind these methods is surprising and worth a closer look.

Why it matters

This story matters to someone following Japan because it highlights the country's unique approach to staying cool in the summer, and the science behind it.

In Japan, people have been using old-fashioned ways to stay cool in the summer, like wearing dark, billowing robes and drinking tea. These methods might seem strange, but they actually work because of the way they interact with the body and the environment. For example, dark colors absorb heat, which is then released as the wearer moves. Drinking tea can also help lower the body's temperature because of the compounds it contains.

Analysis

A Cool Tradition: Uchimizu Rituals in Japan

In Japan's sweltering summer months, people have come up with ingenious ways to beat the heat. One such method is the uchimizu ritual, where storekeepers douse hot pavement outside their stores with cold water. This tradition has been around for centuries and is not only a way to cool down the air but also a way to show respect for the community.

The Science Behind Wearing Dark, Billowing Robes

Wearing dark, billowing robes may seem like an old-fashioned way to stay cool, but the science behind it is surprising. Dark colors absorb heat, which is then released as the wearer moves. This process is called radiative cooling. By wearing dark robes, people can stay cooler than if they were wearing light-colored clothes.

The Benefits of Drinking Tea

Drinking tea is another way to stay cool in the summer. Tea has a cooling effect on the body, which is due to the presence of certain compounds that help to lower the body's temperature. In Japan, green tea is a popular choice for staying cool, and it's not just because of its taste. The antioxidants and other compounds in green tea have been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the science behind staying cool in the summer is more complex than we might think. From the uchimizu ritual to wearing dark, billowing robes and drinking tea, there are a number of traditional methods that have been used for centuries to beat the heat. By understanding the science behind these methods, we can appreciate the ingenuity and creativity of people around the world who have come up with innovative ways to stay cool in the summer.

Key points

  • In Japan, people have been using traditional methods to stay cool in the summer, including wearing flowing robes and throwing water around.
  • The science behind these methods is surprising and worth a closer look.
  • Wearing dark, billowing robes can help to stay cool because of the way they interact with the body and the environment.
  • Drinking tea can also help to lower the body's temperature because of the compounds it contains.
  • These traditional methods could lead to a reduction in the use of air conditioning and other energy-intensive cooling methods, which would be beneficial for the environment.
The Upside

If people continue to use these traditional methods to stay cool in the summer, it could lead to a reduction in the use of air conditioning and other energy-intensive cooling methods, which would be beneficial for the environment.

The Downside

However, if people rely too heavily on these traditional methods and do not take other measures to stay cool, it could lead to heat-related illnesses and other health problems.

Originally reported at

japantimes.co.jp

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsjapansciencehealthsummercooling

Author

Hiroko Tabuchi

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Jul 18, 2026

Source

japantimes.co.jp

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Topics

japansciencehealthsummercooling

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