It's really hot and muggy in summer in Japan. We oftenhave short storms with thunder. Late August through September is the typhoon season. So, I tell you the legend about thunder in Japan.

Thunder(Kaminari in Japanese) is a god. He is fearful but makes us grateful because he brings out rain which make rice plants grow up. So we call him Kaminari-sama with respect. Sama is a term of respect. He is often shown in Japanese picture books as a demon with two horns on his head, only wearing pants of tiger skin, carrying small drumson his back. When he starts to beat his drums, thunder and lighting are born and it rains. Parents often tell their children to be careful of their navels, because Kaminari's favorite food is a navel and he is coming to steal theirs.

In my childhood, I ran into my house when I heard sounds of thunder, holding down my naval, though I knew it was only a superstition.

Do you have another legend about thunder in your country ?