(The following is the English translation of the e-mail sent to our Japanese customers.)

This is Kanako Yoshida from YOUYOUANG.

How have you been?

According to the calendar, the period of Shosho (the end of summer heat) has already passed, so the peak of the heat should be over. Yet today, Maebashi hit 36℃—almost body temperature! (laugh)

In September I have both Tokyo Gift Show and some races, so even in this heat I can’t slack off. People say August is the off-season, but for me it’s been quite busy both at work and in private life.

During the first half of the Obon holidays (a Japanese holiday when families honor their ancestors), I went to my family home early to prepare for mukae-bon (the welcoming of ancestors’ spirits at the start of Obon) and to clean the family grave.

After finishing those things, I went for a 100 km round-trip ride from Maebashi (Gunma, ranked among the top 3 hottest cities in Japan) to Kumagaya (Saitama, officially No.1!). My goal was the famous shaved ice at Nishidaen, so popular that people line up for it!

As expected, the heat did not disappoint that day. I poured water over myself at a convenience store parking lot during a break, and rode with ice tucked into my helmet. The extra ice went into my jersey pockets and anywhere else it would fit.

I arrived shortly after opening, but since it was the Obon holidays there was already a 30-minute wait. With nothing better to do, I killed time by posing for one of those face-in-hole photo boards.
 

Finally, I was rewarded with a bowl of “Rich Matcha Azuki Milk” shaved ice. Since it’s run by a tea shop, the matcha flavor was truly excellent. If you have a chance, please go by car—it’s near Menuma Shodenzan, a nationally designated treasure.

As for the upcoming Gift Show, the East Hall will be closed for construction. The fragrance fair will be held in the West Hall, so we look forward to welcoming you there. Our booth number is West 2 – T26-02.
We have prepared a new catalog and hope to see you!

The heat will only last a little longer. Please take good care of yourself.