JAWing On – Life on Okinawa

The Japanese equivalent of spring break is coming to an end. Golden Week is an annual week of vacation for almost all businesses in Japan. The week consists of several back to back holidays (including Children’s Day, Greenery Day, Constitution Day and something simply called “national holiday”). Golden Week reminds me of what February used to be like before George Washington’s Birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday were combined to form President’s Day. For many tourist industries, the week is similar to the unofficial start of the summer season. If you live in an area that kowtows to tourism, the roads are packed with looky-loos; the shopping areas are overflowing; and there are massive lines everywhere. For many people, the end of Golden Week signifies a return to the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. (Until summer break in July that is!)