The 72 Seasons - August 2024

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 is the last season of summer. In this season, thunderstorms often happen with heavy but short rain, and the weather transitions to autumn. Risshu is the beginning of autumn. It means the day when the summer heat peaks and the season begins to change toward autumn. Although the heat of summer remains, you can look for minor signs of autumn, such as the calm winds starting to blow, the chirping of crickets at dusk, and more fog in the early morning.

Nationwide, Obon is usually celebrated from August 13-15. Various events, such as visits to graves and Obon festivals, are held in different parts of the country around this time. Shosho marks when the heat finally eases with cold air from the north. The grain is beginning to yield, but there is still a little time before the harvest.

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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)