72 Seasons: May

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.

穀雨 Kokuu (Grain Rains)

• April 30–May 4: 牡丹華 Botan hana saku (Peonies Bloom)

立夏 Rikka (Beginning of Summer)

• May 5–9: 蛙始鳴 Kawazu hajimete naku (Frogs Start Singing)
• May 10–14: 蚯蚓出 Mimizu izuru (Worms Come Out)
• May 15–20: 竹笋生 Takenoko shōzu (Bamboo Shoots Sprout)

小満 Shōman (Lesser Ripening)

• May 21–25: 蚕起食桑 Kaiko okite kuwa o hamu (Silkworms Start Feasting on Mulberry Leaves)
• May 26–30: 紅花栄 Benibana sakau (Safflowers Bloom)

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As May begins, the elegant peony flowers burst into bloom, gracing the season with their beauty. Known for their refined fragrance and regal appearance, peonies have earned many poetic nicknames, such as "wealthy noble herb" and "flower goddess."

Spring, though stunning, is fleeting, and summer officially begins on May 5. The frogs that awakened in early spring now fill the rice paddies and small ponds with their energetic croaks. In Japanese, the word for frog (kaeru, 蛙) shares the same pronunciation as kaeru (帰), meaning "to return." Because frogs always return to their birthplace, they are considered symbols of good fortune, embodying the ideas of "safe return" and "return of wealth."

May 5th is Tango-no Sekku (端午の節句), also celebrated as Children’s Day, a festival dedicated to wishing for the healthy growth and success of boys. Families celebrate by hoisting vibrant carp streamers (koinobori), which symbolize strength and perseverance, and by eating chimaki (sweet rice wrapped in bamboo leaves). Bathing in water infused with iris leaves is another tradition, believed to ward off evil spirits.

As temperatures rise, earthworms become more active, enriching the soil and earning the nickname "nature’s hoe" in Japan. These creatures, hatching in spring, thrive in the warmth of summer, contributing to the fertility of the land.

Bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy, appear for only a short time each year. They are tender and perfect for eating when they just begin to emerge from the soil. However, they quickly grow tall and tough, becoming inedible. Bamboo shoots are a versatile ingredient, featured in dishes like rice, soups, wakatake stew, and even sashimi. Their crisp texture and subtle aroma bring a fresh, wild flavor to spring and early summer meals.

Meanwhile, silkworms are in their most voracious stage, devouring fresh mulberry leaves. Farmers dedicate themselves to tending these creatures, which are essential for silk production.

The safflower, initially bright yellow when it blooms, gradually deepens to a vivid red as it matures. Used as a dye since the time of ancient Egypt, safflower reached Japan via the Silk Road and became widespread throughout the country. Today, it is treasured as the prefectural flower of Yamagata Prefecture, a vibrant symbol of beauty and cultural heritage.

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牡丹華 Botan hana saku (Peonies Bloom)

蛙始鳴 Kawazu hajimete naku (Frogs Start Singing)

蚯蚓出 Mimizu izuru (Worms Come Out)

竹笋生 Takenoko shōzu (Bamboo Shoots Sprout)

蚕起食桑 Kaiko okite kuwa o hamu (Silkworms Start Feasting on Mulberry Leaves)

紅花栄 Benibana sakau (Safflowers Bloom)