72 Seasons: July

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.

夏至 Geshi (Summer Solstice)

• June 27–July 1: 菖蒲華 Ayame hana saku (Irises Bloom)
• July 2–6: 半夏生 Hange shōzu (Crow-Dipper Sprouts)

小暑 Shōsho (Lesser Heat)

• July 7–11: 温風至 Atsukaze itaru (Warm Winds Blow)
• July 12–16: 蓮始開 Hasu hajimete hiraku (First Lotus Blossoms)
• July 17–22: 鷹乃学習 Taka sunawachi waza o narau (Hawks Learn to Fly)

大暑 Taisho (Greater Heat)

• July 23–28: 桐始結花 Kiri hajimete hana o musubu (Paulownia Blossoms)
• July 29–August 2: 土潤溽暑 Tsuchi uruōte mushi atsushi (Earth is Damp, Air is Humid)

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In July, warm winds from the southern regions begin to blow, and the days grow hot and humid. The heat steadily intensifies as the month progresses. When the plum rain season ends, a stunning Milky Way becomes visible in the night sky. Tanabata, celebrated on the night of July 7, marks the time when Orihime and Hikoboshi, two star-crossed lovers, cross the Milky Way to meet—an event that happens only once a year. On this night, people write their wishes on colorful strips of paper called tanzaku, which are then hung on bamboo branches.

At this time of year, the earth is damp, the air is heavy with moisture, and summer plants begin to thrive. One such plant, the water-loving hangesho (also known as the Crow-dipper), begins to turn half-white, reminiscent of the white makeup worn by Geisha artists in Gion, Kyoto, adding an air of elegance to the landscape.

Shōsho, the period when the heat reaches its peak, is marked by the singing of cicadas, signaling the arrival of warm, humid air. In the ponds, the "pure heart" and "sacred" lotuses slowly unfurl their buds, blooming with grace and purity, adding to the season’s tranquil beauty. Meanwhile, young hawks begin to learn how to fly and hunt, preparing for the moment when they will leave the nest to seek solitude.

Taisho represents the hottest time of the year. During this sweltering period, people often wear traditional yukatas to participate in lively festivals and watch the dazzling display of fireworks. Paulownia trees bloom in early summer with delicate, light purple, bell-shaped flowers. By now, the trees have begun to bear egg-shaped fruits. In the forest, trees, plants, and flowers continue to thrive, their vibrant green colors flourishing thanks to the abundant moisture.

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半夏生 Hange shōzu (Crow-Dipper Sprouts)

温風至 Atsukaze itaru (Warm Winds Blow)

蓮始開 Hasu hajimete hiraku (First Lotus Blossoms)

鷹乃学習 Taka sunawachi waza o narau (Hawks Learn to Fly)

桐始結花 Kiri hajimete hana o musubu (Paulownia Blossoms)

土潤溽暑 Tsuchi uruōte mushi atsushi (Earth is Damp, Air is Humid)