暑中お見舞申し上げます。
Shochu omimai moushi agemasu.
Shochuu 「暑中(しょちゅう)」 is that hot part of summer we call the dog days. We are right at the end of it. Tomorrow will be the beginning of Risshuu which is considered to be the arrival of Autumn. During these doyo some send out a postcard called shochû-mimai. To do it right, a cooling summer image plus an appropriate greeting asking about one’s health is included. These days you can send an e-card as opposed to buying or making it from scratch. I like to have my students make them and since we are past that particular period they will make Zansho-mimai. When classes begin, we’re still experiencing that intense heat, but according to Japanese custom, we will be experiencing the remaining heat.
Tags: dog days, hagaki, Japan, risshu, shochu, shochumimai, summer
