落とし穴６８堀：夏の風物詩とは？ (Part1)
**Pitfall 68: What Are the Quintessential Markers of Summer?**
**Side: Yuki**
We were currently lounging in a room at the inn, the sliding doors to the veranda thrown wide to invite the summer air inside. An electric fan whirred rhythmically, wind chimes tinkled in the breeze, and outside, a chorus of cicadas droned in the heat.
All that was missing was the scent of a mosquito coil to make it perfect, but I was too worried about the fire hazard to light one. We’d do without. Regardless, I had managed to create a reasonable facsimile of a Japanese summer right here.
"Well then. In Japan, the long-awaited summer vacation has finally begun."
"That’s true," Taiki replied. "Though it’s not like we get to enjoy the benefits of it anymore."
"I’m afraid my era was a bit different from yours," Taizo added. "The concept doesn't resonate with me quite as strongly. But seeing as the three of us—three Japanese men—have gathered like this, I assume there is something to discuss regarding our homeland?"
"Well, before that, have some barley tea."
I served the chilled tea to the two who had joined me.
*Glug, glug...*
The sound of the tea pouring from the pitcher echoed in the quiet room. The pitcher, already pulled from the cold and exposed to the summer heat, was slick with a thick layer of condensation. The glass cups followed suit, their surfaces turning a frosty white the moment the liquid touched them.
It was the ultimate visual proof of a cold drink.
"Thanks."
"I accept with gratitude."
*Gulp, gulp...*
They both drained their glasses in one go, the sound of their satisfaction filling the air.
"Phew. Nothing beats barley tea in the heat," Taiki sighed.
"Indeed," Taizo agreed. "Though in my day, we just drank it straight from the kettle. We didn't have luxuries like refrigerators."
"I suppose that makes sense. Here, have another."
"Thanks."
"Much appreciated."
I refilled their glasses. We took a few more measured sips, finally settling into a relaxed rhythm.
"So, Yuki-san, what did you bring us here for?"
"Yes," Taizo said. "Perhaps it is time to get to the heart of the matter."
"Right. Now that we’ve caught our breath, let’s talk."
It wasn't as if there was any pressing emergency. As Taizo had guessed, since it was just the three of us, the topic was naturally about Japan.
"As I mentioned, summer is finally here. You both know we held the insect-catching tournament the other day as a starting point."
"That was fun," Taiki said.
"Yes, quite enjoyable," Taizo added.
"I’m glad it was well-received. However, as you both know, there’s more to a Japanese summer than just catching bugs."
"Well, there are plenty of traditions," Taiki noted.
"Naturally," Taizo said.
"So, I’m thinking of holding various other summer events. I wanted your help brainstorming some ideas."
"Wait, but haven't we already done the beach and fireworks in Weed?" Taiki asked.
"Oh? You already have the sea and fireworks here?" Taizo looked intrigued.
"No, no. I’m not talking about those large-scale, town-wide festivals. I’m talking about things people can enjoy on a more personal or small-group level."
"Ah, I see."
They both nodded in understanding. While the beach and fireworks were summer staples, they had already been established as major public events to boost Weed’s development. What was missing was the way an individual or a small group of friends could fully immerse themselves in the season. Summer had so much more to offer.
"So, activities for small groups rather than the whole town?"
"Exactly."
"In that case, what about food-related things? Like watermelon splitting or flowing somen noodles?" Taiki suggested.
"So those traditions survived into your era as well," Taizo remarked.
"I think it’s for the best that watermelon splitting evolved from its original form, don't you?" Taiki said.
"True enough."
"Wait," I blinked. "Was there an original version of watermelon splitting?"
"Ah, Taiki-kun, you didn't know? Apparently, it started as a sacrificial rite where a person was buried in the ground and had their head split open."
"Indeed," Taizo continued. "It is said that Zhuge Liang substituted watermelons for human heads, which became the origin of the practice."
"Huh... the more you know."
"It’s like the Love-Stones at the shrine in Kyoto, right?" Taiki asked. "The ones where you have to walk between them with your eyes closed to see if your love will come true?"
"There is that theory," Taizo said, "but given what the inside of a watermelon looks like... I’m inclined to favor the sacrificial theory."
"There’s a dark history behind everything, isn't there?" I mused.
Even things we take for granted often have surprisingly grim origins if you dig deep enough. Like *teru teru bozu* dolls—they were originally a substitute for human sacrifices offered to stop the rain. Back in the day, when floods occurred, human sacrifice was a common recourse; the dolls were simply a more merciful evolution of that. The Love-Stones in Kyoto were a form of *gan-kake*—votive offerings where one endured a trial to achieve a desired result. Whether it’s sacrificing a life or sacrificing one’s sight for a walk, the core concept of 'paying a price' remains the same.
"Anyway, watermelon splitting is best saved for the beach. For something we can do right now, maybe flowing somen?"
"Yeah," Taiki agreed. "You can do that at home."
"We’ll need to find some bamboo, then," Taizo noted.
"I saw ginger at the supermarket," I added.
"Come to think of it, do we actually stock somen noodles?" Taiki asked.
"Actually, I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask Ratz later. If we don't have any, I can just pull some out with DP."
"That feels like a bit of a waste of DP," Taiki chuckled.
"It’s fine. Think of it as a well-deserved reward. There’s no reason to hold back."
"I agree," Taizo said. "If times were lean, it would be one thing, but we are in a period of relative peace. There is no harm in taking it easy. Just because we are in another world doesn't mean we have to force ourselves to forget Japan."
"Exactly."
"You’re right," Taiki said. "We’ve been able to do so much here because of what we learned in Japan. A little indulgence like this is perfectly fine."
There was no reason to suffer for the sake of it. They say 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do,' but this was a cultural exchange. No one had the right to complain about us practicing our own culture, especially since we weren't bothering anyone. You only endure a lack of something when it’s unavailable; if you have the means to get it, there’s no reason not to use them.
"Still, talking about it now, I realize how much of summer revolves around the ocean," Taizo observed. "Most activities involve being near the water."
"Now that you mention it, you’re right. But we’re skipping the beach this time, right?" Taiki asked.
"Yeah. The beach is for another day. I want things away from the shore."
"Away from the shore... besides catching bugs..."
"Was there anything else?"
"Let me think..."
When put on the spot, there weren't many standout activities besides insect catching. During summer vacation, we mostly just ran around outside.
"Well, we’re definitely not doing homework," Taiki joked.
"Why on earth would I come to another world just to study?" I scoffed.
"Education is never a bad thing," Taizo said, "but it hardly qualifies as a summer 'activity' for fun."
"How about growing morning glories?"
"Would they even bloom in time?"
"Wait, is that even a 'game'?"
"Ah, I guess that’s more of a school project, isn't it?"
We went back and forth like that, debating various ideas until the sun began to dip toward the horizon.
"It’s getting late," Taiki noted.
"Yeah."
"It’s nice to be able to just sit and watch the sunset like this," Taizo murmured. "Until recently, it felt like the day was just... over once the sun went down."
"I get that," Taiki said.
"I had electricity, so the night was when the real work started for me," I added.
"In that sense, I think this world is much healthier without electricity," Taiki reflected.
"I can agree with that," Taizo said. "I used to spend my nights cooped up in a lab until the early hours."
Waking with the sun and sleeping when it sets. Living in harmony with nature—perhaps that was what it truly meant to live.
Of course, unlike the two of them, I’d had my food, clothing, and shelter guaranteed from the very start, so I couldn't exactly claim to be living the 'hard' life.