As the rainy season comes to a close and summer truly gets underway, we welcome the appearance of beer gardens and beach houses. Cold beer and a dip in the ocean are surely great ways to beat the heat. Heading to the mountains for some hiking is another fine option. We are fortunate in Yokohama to be able to enjoy life in a cosmopolitan city and yet have easy access to nearby beaches and mountains.
The summer season is also celebrated with fireworks festivals in virtually every city and town across the country. These festivals are enjoyed by all from toddlers to seniors, and this is one of the main reasons they help strengthen the bonds between local residents. In this issue we provide you with a list of many of those taking place in Kanagawa. Don your yukata and be sure to get out to a few of these festivals with your friends and neighbors.