72 Seasons: August

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

大暑 Taisho (Greater Heat)

• August 3–7: 大雨時行 Taiu tokidoki furu (Great Rains Sometimes Fall)

立秋 Risshū (Beginning of Autumn)

• August 8–12: 涼風至 Suzukaze itaru (Cool Winds Blow)
• August 13–17: 寒蝉鳴 Higurashi naku (Evening Cicadas Sing)
• August 18–22: 蒙霧升降 Fukaki kiri matō (Thick Fog Descends)

処暑 Shosho (Manageable Heat)

• August 23–27: 綿柎開 Wata no hana shibe hiraku (Cotton Flowers Bloom)
• August 28–September 1: 天地始粛 Tenchi hajimete samushi (Heat Starts to Die Down)

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Taisho marks the final season of summer, a time when thunderstorms frequently occur, bringing heavy yet brief showers. As the season progresses, the weather begins its gradual transition to autumn. Risshu, the official start of autumn, signifies the point when the summer heat peaks and the shift toward cooler days begins.

Although the heat still lingers, small hints of autumn start to emerge. Gentle, calming winds replace the oppressive heat, crickets fill the evening air with their melodic chirping, and early mornings are veiled in a delicate layer of fog.

Across Japan, the Obon Festival, held from August 13-15, is a time for honoring ancestors. Families come together to visit graves and participate in local Obon festivities, creating a meaningful and reflective atmosphere throughout the country.

Shosho marks the period when the intense summer heat finally begins to subside, thanks to the arrival of cooler northern air. Grains are beginning to ripen, signaling the approach of harvest season, though there is still a little time before the fields are ready to yield their bounty.

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大雨時行 Taiu tokidoki furu (Great Rains Sometimes Fall)

涼風至 Suzukaze itaru (Cool Winds Blow)

寒蝉鳴 Higurashi naku (Evening Cicadas Sing)

蒙霧升降 Fukaki kiri matō (Thick Fog Descends)

綿柎開 Wata no hana shibe hiraku (Cotton Flowers Bloom)

天地始粛 Tenchi hajimete samushi (Heat Starts to Die Down)