Typhoon Puts a Dampener on Silver Week

I had a very productive writing day today, because our plans were canceled due to an approaching typhoon. We found ourselves stuck at home for the day, because the rain is already here. It has not stopped, and at times it is treacherous. The type of rain when a day's worth of rain falls in an hour or two, making driving dangerous and walking miserable.

Silver Week is usually one of those times people circle on their calendars. With a rare stretch of consecutive holidays, many were looking forward to day trips, family gatherings, festivals, and a chance to enjoy the first hints of autumn. Unfortunately, this year the typhoon has put a literal and figurative dampener on things.

Across Japan, organizers have already cancelled or scaled back some outdoor events as forecasts warn of heavy rain and strong winds. Even major attractions have been affected, with the final day of the Tokyo Game Show cancelled due to concerns about worsening weather and transportation disruptions. It is likely that train delays and cancelations, flight disruptions and difficulties on some roads will intensify as the storm gets closer. 

To compensate for the change in our plans, my children have had their friends over all day and are having a sleepover tonight, which has given me some unexpected time to write a few articles. A small silver lining to the disappointing turn in the weather this (not-so) Silver Week!