南向き翻訳事務所 岩渕デボラ ブログ

US Residents Fight for Right to Hang Laundry!  reads the headline. It seems that most Americans are not in favor of viewing their neighbors underwear drying in the sun. The “hangers,” on the other hand enjoy the experience and are saving money by not using clothes dryers.

Well, all in favor of sun-drying their laundry, come on over to Japan!

When I first came to this country, while riding in a bus on the way to the hotel from Haneda Airport (’way back when!) I was shocked to see laundry hanging from the apartment buildings. I was sure I’d arrived in the poorest nation on earth–laundry on the line was a sign of poverty as far as I knew.

Fast forward 30+ years and I’m a housewife who has never used a dryer that doesn’t take coins.  I’ve got my oven, we have air conditioning and heating, and I’m lobbying for a dishwasher. Amazingly, the clothes dryer is something I’ve never truly craved for.

Culturally,  lots of laundry out on the line is the sign of a diligent homemaker. My mother-in-law took pride in the rows of cloth diapers she had on display daily when my children were babies. When I cruised the neighborhood with the girls in strollers I was able to pinpoint homes with children of about the same age based on the clothes I saw waving in the wind.

Esthetically, I have my own methods. My mother-in-law taught me to shake out the wrinkles, and other than that I like to balance the clothes so the little hangers don’t tilt to one side. Heavy items in the middle,  with lighter items as you work outwards. Blouses and shirts on hangers on the balcony. Tablecloths and towels out in the yard where they get more sun.

Psychologically, there is something calming about hanging out the laundry. It’s usually the first thing I do after everyone leaves for the day; a few minutes to get my wits together before I do something more demanding.

Bringing it in, folding it, and putting it all away is not high on my list of favorite things, but then again you’ve got to do it whether you have a dryer or not!