[Sunday日Culture] Summer Greeting Letters... The Story of 'Shochumimai'

A Culture of Sending Letters and Gifts to Appreciated People in Hot Summers
Started in the Edo Period, Simplified from Gifts to Letters... Courtesy in Return

It is already September. The weather is still hot, but it feels like summer is coming to an end.

This summer was unusually hot and rainy, and I suddenly wonder if my acquaintances have been doing well and if nothing unusual has happened.

In Japan, there is a culture of sending greeting letters during the summer. Although it is not as significant as New Year's cards, there is a perception that "those who care, do care." Today, I will introduce the Japanese summer greeting letter called "Shochumimai (暑中見舞い)".

Shochumimai means "sending greetings during the hot summer." The heat and rainy season in Japan start earlier and last longer than in Korea. Due to the heatwave, people may not meet often or may have received help from others, so they send summer greetings to inquire about their well-being and express their feelings.

This culture is said to have started during the Edo period from the 17th to 19th centuries. It originated from the Chinese seasonal festival "Baizhong," when people returned to their hometowns before Chuseok and brought offerings to their ancestors. This practice crossed over to Japan and evolved into a culture of giving gifts to those around them during the Edo period. After the Meiji Restoration, as the postal system developed in Japan, this culture was simplified and settled into sending greeting letters.

Summer postcards Hagaki sold on Rakuten. (Photo by Rakuten)

Since it is a summer greeting, there is a typical time to send these letters. Usually, the letter should arrive before Ipchu (the beginning of autumn). Letters sent after Ipchu and into September are called "Zansho Mimai (?暑見舞い)," meaning "late summer greetings." During this period, bookstores and stationery shops sell beautiful postcards called "Hagaki (ハガキ)" featuring summer scenery for those sending greetings.

Now, let's look at an example of what is usually written, as provided by the Japan Post.

"Every year, the heat becomes more intense. This year, the highest temperature record nationwide was broken again. How are you enduring it? Despite the weather, thanks to your care, we are doing well. I hope you stay healthy and avoid heatstroke during this hot season." This is considered a model answer.

The basic structure is to start with a greeting about the weather, followed by a personal update, then gratitude toward the recipient, and finally a closing remark.

Example of Shochumimai introduced by Japan Post. (Photo by Japan Post)

Besides greeting letters, people also send gifts such as sweets or fruits to those they are truly grateful to. This is called "Ochugen (お中元)," meaning gifts sent during Baizhong. Gifts range from sweets, jelly, and somen noodles to seasonings and fruits. During this period, online shopping malls often hold special events for those considering Ochugen gifts.

Lastly, it is considered polite to always send a reply or return gift when you receive a greeting letter or gift.

Today, we learned about the Japanese summer greeting culture. Is there anyone you have lost contact with due to the heat or busy daily life? It might be a good time to send a warm greeting after a long time.