In Japan, there’s a social myth called “Ame-Onna”, which means “rain woman”. (If you are a man, you will be called “Ame-Otoko”; rain man.)

It is believed that if you are an Ame-Onna or Ame-Otoko, everywhere you go it rains, especially on the occasions when you hope for a good weather, such as weddings, hiking, or your birthday.

I didn’t know if I were an Ame-Onna or not, but there was a time I wanted a clear sky so badly; It was my 33rd birthday.

On April 5th 2015, I was on the South Island in New Zealand.

I was visiting a town called Tekapo. It is said to be the place where you can see the most beautiful starry sky.

However, the weather forecast was saying it would be raining that night. I wanted to extend my stay to see the stars, but unfortunately, the only YHA in the town was fully booked the next day.

When it got dark, I took a chance and went outside to see the stars. It was not raining but clouded. I could spot some stars, I could see the moon, but it was far from the starry sky I had expected. I waited for about half an hour wishing the clouds had gone away. But it was getting rather cold. Feeling disappointed, I went back to the hostel and snuggled into the bunk bed. 

I knew the earth didn’t care about my birthday, but it led me to recall all the disappointments in my life; heartbreaks, rejections, mistakes, embarrassments, humiliations, and misfortunes. 

“No,” I thought to myself. “I don’t want to make myself feel miserable on my birthday.”

I try to remember what I liked about Tekapo aside from the night sky. I loved the beautiful lake. I liked the hiking trail. I enjoyed cycling in the trees and I liked the cozy youth hostel.

“I think this gave me a reason to come back.”

It seemed fortunate to find something to look forward to on a birthday. I started to imagine myself visiting Tekapo again in the future, and I fell asleep.

—

“Whoa, the rain has stopped. Are you a Hare-Onna?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

9 years on, I have become a “Hare-Onna (sunny woman)”. I can’t always guarantee a sunny day, but I fairly spare the rain most of the time. Or I have become a better planner or a more optimistic person.

Looking back, my trip to Tekapo taught me a good lesson about the attitude towards life in general: I can’t expect sunny weather all the time, rainy days are inevitable. But even if it rains, I know how to appreciate it.