snow

What a beautiful day in Tokyo! I know it means that the snow is coming down heavily in the snow country. I was born and brought up in the heavy snowfall district Niigata. It is almost five years since I became a Tokyoite.

The very first thing that surprised me in Tokyo is the fact that there is no winter here! Even in winter the sun shines in the daytime and people in Tokyo hang outthe washing or bedclothes to dry.

To live in the snow district is very hard. They have to clear off the snow every morning before going to work. To walk or drive on the frozen street is very dangerous. The snow is piled in great drifts. The school boys and girls are at a loss where to walk, because the snow is piled on the narrow sidewalk.

Of course they have to remove the snow from the roof, which is so hard work. If there is no one to remove the snow in th family, you have to look for someone to do it and reward him for his services. I hear it is rather a large amount of money.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?
When the snow melts and spring is approaching, they see spring flower sprouts comming up. Oh, how happy they feel! It is the moment they feel the joy of life.

Spring comes very late in my hometown. I know snow is now falling thick and fast today---in my hometown, Niigata.