Uchimizu, Cool Streets on Hot Summer Days, Maids or Not, Japan Style

Uchimizu, Cool Streets on Hot Summer Days, Maids or Not, Japan Style

by Serge the Concierge

I remember way back then when we used to sweep the classroom floor and sprinkle the floor prior to it so the dust would not fly.

In Japan, people sprinkle water on streets and pavement to try and keep them cool on hot summer days.

It's called Uchimizu and the Japan Water Forum designed the illustrated 'How to Uchimizu' which I share below (minus the illustrations):

ABC
of UCHIMIZU

contemporary
(Heisei) version
A- Prepare containers to store water. 
Choose from domestic articles, such as buckets, pots, bottles, jars, etc
B– Pour secondary water such as rainwater, leftover bath water, drainage from exterior unit of air-conditioner into the container above. Do not use tap water only for this purpose.
 
C- Go outside in the sun and splash water with ladle. 
You may also use your hands or pour directly from watering cans or PET bottles. 
[!] Wear a hat or a cap if available to protect you from the sun.
D– It works not only on road surfaces, but also on roofs, verandas, walls, both in sunny place and shade.
E- See if you feel the cool breeze. If it feels good make it a daily habit. Report the results with your comments to the headquarters. Details will be released at August, 18th)

NOTICE: Watch out for cars. Do not bother passers-by.

The tradition got a twist with Uchimizzuko where 'maids' do the sprinkling.

Extreme Matsuri shares some details on the event including the Danny Choo video (of 2007 event) below.

Let's get cool for Tokyo Thursdays # 99

Previously on Tokyo Thursdays:
Night Lights Floats, Nebuta Matsuri or Tachi Neputa, Early August Festivals in Japan

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