72 Seasons: April

In Japan, there are 72 subdivision seasons called the shichijuni kou. The seasons are named after the birds, insects, plants, and weather of each change in nature every five days.

春分 Shunbun (Spring Equinox)

• March 31–April 4: 雷乃発声 Kaminari sunawachi koe o hassu (Thunder Starts Again)

清明 Seimei (Pure & Clear)

• April 5–9 :玄鳥至 Tsubame kitaru (Swallows Return)
• April 10–14: 鴻雁北 Kōgan kaeru (Wild Geese Fly North)
• April 15–19: 虹始見 Niji hajimete arawaru (First Rainbows Appear)

穀雨 Kokuu (Grain Rains)

• April 20–24: 葭始生 Ashi hajimete shōzu (First Reeds Sprout)
• April 25–29: 霜止出苗 Shimo yamite nae izuru (Frost Stops, Rice Grow)

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Although spring has arrived, the weather during this period remains highly unpredictable. Thunderstorms are frequent, and occasionally hail or even snow accompanies the distant roar of thunder. In traditional Japanese culture, thunder is believed to be the god of thunder beating his drum. This mythical deity is depicted as red in color, dressed in tiger-print garments, with a fierce expression, reflecting his significant status in Japanese mythology.

Seimei, meaning "purity and vitality," symbolizes the flourishing of life. It is a season of blooming flowers, dancing butterflies, and clear skies—a time considered the most comfortable of the year. During Seimei, swallows begin their migration to Japan, guided by the lengthening daylight. These birds, which spend winters on the warm islands of Southeast Asia, cross the ocean to nest in Japan. An old Japanese saying goes, "When swallows nest in a house, they bring happiness." Black swallows are especially enchanting as they dart between fallen cherry blossoms and lush green willows.

In contrast, geese—fond of the cold—end their winter stay in Japan and return to Siberia. Watching their large flocks soar across the sky has long inspired haiku and other Japanese poetry. As spring rains increase, the air grows more humid, and the season rewards us with the beauty of vivid rainbows.

Kokuu marks a time when rain nourishes the newly planted grains, stabilizing the unpredictable spring weather. The rains provide water and nutrients for the crops to grow strong. This is also when vibrant spring flowers, such as peonies and tulips, bloom in succession, painting the landscape with bursts of color.

From April 20, the reeds begin to sprout. Revered in Japan as symbols of resilience, reeds demonstrate remarkable strength—they may fall repeatedly, but their flexible stems allow them to rise again, growing straight and tall. This quality is deeply respected and reflects the resilient spirit of the Japanese people.

As April progresses, the frost melts away, and the bright green shoots of rice emerge. By the end of the month, rice grows rapidly, bursting with life. Rice has been a staple of Japanese culture and cuisine since the Nara period, forming the heart of countless traditional dishes. The process of growing rice is labor-intensive and requires significant dedication from farmers, whose hard work sustains this essential element of Japanese life and heritage.

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雷乃発声 Kaminari sunawachi koe o hassu (Thunder Starts Again)

玄鳥至 Tsubame kitaru (Swallows Return)

鴻雁北 Kōgan kaeru (Wild Geese Fly North)

虹始見 Niji hajimete arawaru (First Rainbows Appear)

葭始生 Ashi hajimete shōzu (First Reeds Sprout)

霜止出苗 Shimo yamite nae izuru (Frost Stops, Rice Grow)