Spring in Japan is not only about cherry blossoms! We're taking a look at the Land of the Rising Sun from a car owner's perspective – the unique period that marks the start of the car care season is fun, but is full of challenges too.
At Soft99 we love to combine Japanese culture and customs with the world of vehicle care and maintenance. The case of spring, the season that usually launches the car care and detailing season in Europe and the northern hemisphere in general, is no different.
However, it's not all as pretty as it seems! The elements in Japan are a real curveball thrown at car owners, and much of what our Japanese peers have to contend with is reminiscent of the car care challenges we face in Europe.
Hanami: the joy of cherry blossoms in full bloom
But first, let's decompress. It's a natural phenomenon and a holiday created just for that.
Hanami (花見, literally "flower viewing"), is one of Japan’s most cherished traditions. Originally, it was brought over from China, where writing poems and drinking rice wine was celebrated under blossoming plum trees. In Japan, the custom dates back to the Nara period (710–794). It was originally practised by aristocrats, mimicking their Chinese counterparts, and admiring plum blossoms (梅, ume) before shifting their focus to cherry blossoms (桜, sakura) during the Heian period (794–1185). Today, people across Japan gather in parks, gardens, and river banks to enjoy picnics under the pink and white canopies, often accompanied by delicious bento meals and drinks.
This millennia-old practice is more than just a spring pastime – it was a foundation for developing Japanese aesthetics, such as the popular concept of fleeting beauty, as cherry blossoms bloom for only a short period before falling gracefully to the ground.
Nowadays, many companies and schools organise Hanami parties, bringing people together to celebrate the season while enjoying Japan’s stunning natural beauty. Hanami is a time of relaxation and appreciation, whether at iconic spots like Ueno Park in Tokyo, the Philosopher’s Walk in Kyoto, or the grounds of Osaka Castle, right next to Soft99's headquarters.
Asian Dust: the unseen enemy of a pristine car
The fallen sakura petals are nothing compared to this.
Spring in Japan also welcomes the notorious Asian Dust (黄砂, kōsa). This yellowish dust originates from the deserts of China and Mongolia, carried by seasonal winds across East Asia, including Japan. Though it might seem like a minor inconvenience, kōsa is a major headache for car owners. When it settles on a car’s surface, it creates a grimy layer that, if left unchecked, can mix with rain and form stubborn stains.
The worst part? The dust isn’t just unsightly—it’s also mildly abrasive. Wiping it off carelessly can lead to significant damage on the car’s paintwork. The phenomenon is very similar in nature to Saharan Dust, which is a notorious problem in southern Europe, sometimes reaching further afield and affecting car owners as far away as the UK or Germany.
To combat this, frequent rinsing and a proper maintenance routine are essential: for very light dust, a waterless quick detailer, such as Fukupika Spray, will suffice. But when the car was stationary for a longer period of time, a more thorough wash will be in order. Make sure to utilise paintwork-safe accessories, such as the gentle QJUTSU Ultrasoft Sponge, or water buckets with dirt separators.
Spring showers and the battle against water
Rain in Japan is more of a summer topic, with the intense tsuyu, the East Asian rain season, usually running from June to July. It's those particularly wet two months, that made Soft99 engineers come up with Glaco coatings, first for planes, and then for cars.
But springtime downpours can be a nuisance too. Japan’s spring weather is notoriously unpredictable, swinging from warm, sunny days to sudden showers. That's why it's a great idea to be prepared for a full year of rain with a 12-month durable coating such as Ultra Glaco, or to use the next best solution, which will also be more suitable for urban drivers than others, namely Glaco DX.
It is particularly advisable to invest in a glass coating for reasons of road safety and driving comfort, bearing in mind that spring still means early hours of sunset, resulting in reduced visibility. Making sure that your car's windows are clean and water-repellent is a great way of making sure that no obstacle or danger will surprise you on the road.
Enjoy spring, protect your car!
There's a lot that can be said about car care in spring, with routine washes and first-of-the-year wax applications just around the corner. What should one do, to prepare?
We say: relax, enjoy nature and... protect your car! With a little effort, you can forget the headache of having to thoroughly clean your car after pollen or dust has settled on it, or when the first spring rains reduce visibility and driving comfort.
With the right products and techniques, you can embrace the beauty of the season without worrying about its impact on your beloved ride. Happy spring driving!
