There¡¯s an English proverb that goes, ¡°April showers bring May flowers.¡± In Japan, however, the month of 5Ô (gogatsu, May) also brings on something a little less positive: ÎåÔ²¡ (gogatsu-byo, May sickness).
Another translation for ÎåÔ²¡ might be the ¡°May blues,¡± as this isn¡¯t an actual medical term. That doesn¡¯t make it any less of a struggle for those who are suffering from it, though. Japan¡¯s ĞÂÄê¶È (shin-nendo, new fiscal year) and ĞÂѧÆÚ (shin-gakki, new school semester) both begin in 4Ô (shigatsu, April), making that particular month very busy for students and workers alike. 4Ô¤ÏФ·¤¤×´›r¤äÎïʤˑT¤ì¤ë•rÆڤǤ¹ (Shigatsu wa atarashii j¨ky¨ ya monogoto ni nareru jiki desu, April is a time to get used to new situations and things).
Just as you¡¯re getting used to everything, the ¥´©`¥ë¥Ç¥ó¥¦¥£©`¥¯ (g¨ruden u¨©ku, Golden Week) period of consecutive holidays hits. And when it comes to an end, it can be difficult for some to get back on the treadmill and start work or school again.
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