Japanese Sun Protection Blaster Shields

Anthony and I can laugh for hours about the amount of "blaster shields" we see when spring and summer arrive in Japan.  The other day "The Crank" was lucky enough to spot some at a local store and he snapped a picture for us!  If you look at the Japanese it basically says "Sun Visor", but as you know there is  only one true name for them....... "Blaster Shields".

Along with the blaster shields you cant forget the "arm gloves" that just about every Japanese woman over 25 wears.  Of course they are trying to protect their skin and NOT get a tan.  It's funny because it will be about a million degrees hot (and humid) and they will be rocking the blaster shield and these arm gloves.  Often they wear these inside cars while the windows are up..... To each is own I guess ;-)

Japanese Summer Yukata

The Japanese summer is hot and humid, there is no getting around that fact. Well, there is also the rainy season thing, since Japan gets the tale end of the monsoons from Asia. The one thing that makes Japan even cooler or hotter, depending how you look at it, is the summer yukata. I call them "Summer Kimono's". They are colorful and makes the girls and women that wear them....just look awesome.  

Of course I can't leave the ladies out. Guys too have summer yukata's, as seen in the picture above. You will see both men and women wearing them at summer festivals. Let's face it when it's like 90+ degrees and 90% plus humidity, wearing something loose and flowing is probably a good idea. 

To me summer festivals and yukata's are the epitome of the Japanese summer. 

Summer Festivals in Japan [Video]

Here is some video from a local summer Obon Festival here in Fukuoka. If you ever get to Japan these are some of the best festivals to go to. Lots of great food, drink, dancing, people, etc.