Did someone say Golden Week? 👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

The beginning of May is actually a pretty pleasant time for most Japanese people, as there are several public holidays coming up, some of which even lie together and finally offer the chance to take a longer break and forget the daily grind.

There are four public holidays in total, starting on April 29 with Showa Day, the birthday of the emperor of the Showa period, which had a decisive influence on 20th century Japanese society. This year, the day falls on a Monday, which is actually quite convenient for a public holiday. Well, that doesn't include me because, like almost all Mondays throughout the year, I have a normal working day on which there is not much to see of a public holiday. Fortunately, Monday wasn't too stressful and went without any real problems, and I was able to get the week off to a good start.

At the end of the week, there are three more public holidays: Constitution Day on May 3, Green Day on May 4 and finally Children's Day on May 5. The last two public holidays fall on a weekend this time, but as is usual in Japan, at least Children's Day, which falls on Sunday, is made up for on the following following Monday. So luckily only one holiday falls on the weekend, but just like Showa Day, I will need to report to work and will be busy on that said Monday. Since I'm not the only one there, there's probably no reason to complain.

And so the only thing left of the actual Golden Week is Constitution Day on Friday, but again, I won't have that day completely off and will have to work for at least a couple of hours. Fortunately, not the whole day and not that early, so I'm not complaining here either.

At least in terms of the weather, things are going quite well this week and the weather forecast promises sunshine and fairly warm temperatures for most of the time. You could almost think we're already in summer, as the weather has been so nice in recent days, which now makes many people here a little concerned. Winter has only just ended and spring seems to be over sooner than most Japanese would like.

But fortunately it's not quite so hot yet, so many people are now enjoying their free time outside under the often pretty blue sky. It's blooming and greening everywhere and nature has received a real boost. And since days off are usually quite rare in Japan, you have to celebrate these happy days as they fall.

Whether it's a going on a walk or meeting for a barbecue, outdoors is simply the best place to be these days. And that's why I also want to spend the upcoming weekend in nature. Of course, I have to compromise on my plans, but at least for one day I have high hopes. Let's see if it turns out the way I want it to and have planned for us.

But as my good mood fortunately doesn't depend on the weather and isn't too affected by the work in front of me, I'm not going to start lamenting this year's Golden Week either. Holiday or not, it's spring and therefore my favorite time of year, and I'm going to enjoy it and have fun. Things have been going pretty well so far and I am sure they will continue that way. I have no doubts about that...