The 72 Seasons of Japan: A Symphony of Nature

Japan, an archipelago bathed in turquoise waters and rocked by the winds of the Pacific, is a country that has been cultivating an intimate and deep relationship with nature for centuries. This symbiosis manifests itself in all aspects of its culture, from delicate floral art to the refined ceremony of tea, to the architecture that embraces the mountainous reliefs.

At the heart of this deep connection lies a unique system of time perception: the 72 seasons of Japan. Far from the four traditional Western seasons, this careful cutting invites us to observe the world with particular acuity, to grasp the subtle nuances of the changes taking place in the environment and to appreciate the ephemeral beauty of each moment.

Ancestral Heritage and Subtile Adaptation

The 72 season system is rooted in the Chinese lunar calendar, introduced in Japan in the 5th century. However, the Japanese have adapted this system to their own archipelago and refined it over the centuries. They took into account the climatic and geographical peculiarities of their country, creating a unique system that perfectly reflects the diversity of Japanese landscapes and the sensitivity of the people to their environment.

The 24 Sekki: The Pillars of the System

The basis of the 72 season system is an initial division of the year into 24 distinct periods called “sekki”. These 24 sekki correspond approximately to solstice, equinoxes and other key moments of the solar cycle, marking the major changes in the seasons. Each sekki has a poetic and evocative name, such as “Risshun” (early spring) or “Shūbun” (the autumn equinox), reflecting the careful observations of the Japanese on the transformations of nature.

The Kō: The Infinite Nuances of the Seasons

Each sekki is itself subdivided into three five-day periods, called “kō”. It is at this level that the 72 season system reveals all its richness and poetry. The kō capture the most subtle nuances of seasonal changes, from the appearance of the first spring buds to the last whispers of autumn, to the overwhelming heat of summer and the serene silence of winter.

The names of kō are true jewels of the Japanese language, poetic haikus that accurately describe the unique atmosphere and sensations of each period. For example, “Sayuri-hadzuki” (the moon of the azaleas) evokes the bright flowering of the azaleas in early spring, while “Kōyō-no-kumo” (autumn clouds) suggests the flamboyant colours of the autumn leaves that dance in the wind.

Spring (Risshun – Geshi)

Risshun () : Early spring (4-8 February): Life reborn, the first shy buds come out of the earth, announcing the arrival of the long awaited spring.
Hatsushigur (: The first spring drizzle (9-13 February): Fine rain droplets moisten the earth, washing the winter and preparing the ground for blooming.
Baiun () : Clouds of prunus (14-18 February): The pink buttons of plum trees flourish, wrapping the landscape with a scented and delicate cloud.
Kaihin () : Insects come out of the ground (19-23 February): The hibernating insects emerge from their hiding places, attracted by the heat of the spring sun.
Keishun () : Spring opens (24-28 February): The season is growing, the days are growing longer and the temperatures are softening, inviting the flowers to open fully.
Fushun () : Spring swells (1-5 March): Flowered cherry trees, a symbol par excellence of Japanese spring, exploding in colours, offering a temporary beauty spectacle.
Shunran () : Spring in full splendor (6-10 March): Nature exults, gardens have a thousand and one colors, and the intoxicating fragrances of flowers embalm the air.
Harunokaze () : Spring wind (11-15 March): A sweet breeze blows, carrying the cherry petals and spreading their delicate fragrance in the atmosphere.
Shumbun (: Spring equinox (16-20 March): Day and night have the same duration, symbolizing the perfect balance of nature in this season of renewal.
Seimei (: Clear and bright (21-25 March): The sky is brightening, the light becomes brighter and nature is adorned with its most beautiful spring dress.
Akebono (: Aurora (26-30 March): The first lights of the day illuminate the sky, announcing the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

Summer (Rikka – Shūbun)

Rikka () : Early summer (5-9 May): The heat settles, the days lengthen and the nights shorten, marking the entrance into the summer season.
Sōshū () : Small heat (10-14 May): Temperatures rise, the first signs of thirst appear and nature begins to dry out slightly.
Baiu (: Rain season (15-19 May): Rains are intensifying, creating a wet, hazy atmosphere that promotes plant growth.
Shōsho (: Small fullness (20-24 May): Cereals mature and the fields are fulfilling the promise of an abundant harvest.
Mangoku (: Mature seed (25-29 May)Cereals are ready to be harvested, marking a crucial moment in the agricultural cycle.
Shōshū () : Summer Solstice (30 May to 3 June): The longest day of the year, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

Hoshū () : High heat (4-8 June): The heat is at its peak, the days are long and stifling, and nature seems to fall asleep under the burning sun.
Taishū () : Large heat wave (9-13 June): The warmest period of the year, where moisture is added to the heat, creating a feeling of heaviness and oppression.
Risshū () : Beginning of autumn (14-18 August): The first cool breezes announce the arrival of autumn, bringing welcome relief to the summer heat.
Chūshū () : End of heat (19-23 August): The heat gradually decreases, leaving room for more pleasant temperatures and a sensation of renewal.
Bairo () : White Rose (24-28 August): The first morning dews appear, announcing the transition to a cooler and humid season.
Shūbun (: Autumn equinox (29 September to 3 October): Day and night again have the same duration, symbolizing the balance found between light and darkness.
Aki no tsuki () : Autumn moon (4-8 October): The moon shines with a special brightness at this time of year, illuminating the autumn landscapes of its sweet light.
Aki no kaze (: Autumn wind (9-13 October): A fresh wind blows, carrying dead leaves in an aerial waltz and announcing the arrival of winter.
Kōyō () : Red leaves (14-18 October): The leaves of the trees are flamboyant colours, creating a spectacle of striking beauty that attracts the eyes.
Shūki () : Frozen descent (19-23 October): The first nocturnal frosts appear, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of preparation for winter.
Kōkan () : Descending Rose (24-28 October): Morning dew turns into frost, announcing the imminent arrival of winter.

Autumn (Risshū – Shūbun)

Risshū () : Beginning of autumn (14-18 August): The first cool breezes announce the arrival of autumn, bringing welcome relief to the summer heat.
Chūshū () : End of heat (19-23 August): The heat gradually decreases, leaving room for more pleasant temperatures and a sensation of renewal.
Bairo () : White Rose (24-28 August): The first morning dews appear, announcing the transition to a cooler and humid season.
Shūbun (: Autumn equinox (29 September to 3 October): Day and night again have the same duration, symbolizing the balance found between light and darkness.
Aki no tsuki () : Autumn moon (4-8 October): The moon shines with a special brightness at this time of year, illuminating the autumn landscapes of its sweet light.
Aki no kaze (: Autumn wind (9-13 October): A fresh wind blows, carrying dead leaves in an aerial waltz and announcing the arrival of winter.
Kōyō () : Red leaves (14-18 October): The leaves of the trees are flamboyant colours, creating a spectacle of striking beauty that attracts the eyes.

Shūki () : Frozen descent (19-23 October): The first nocturnal frosts appear, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of preparation for winter.
Kōkan () : Descending Rose (24-28 October): Morning dew turns into frost, announcing the imminent arrival of winter.
Tōji () : Winter soil (29 November to 3 December): The shortest day of the year, when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky.
Amishō (: Small water (4-8 December): Rivers and lakes freeze on the surface, providing a peaceful and quiet landscape.
Taikan () : Great cold (9-13 December): The coldest time of the year, when the snow often covers the ground and the wind blows with force.

Winter (Risshun – Geshi)

Risshun () : Early spring (4-8 February): Life reborn, the first shy buds come out of the earth, announcing the arrival of the long awaited spring.
Hatsushigur (: The first spring drizzle (9-13 February): Fine rain droplets moisten the earth, washing the winter and preparing the ground for blooming.
Baiun () : Clouds of prunus (14-18 February): The pink buttons of plum trees flourish, wrapping the landscape with a scented and delicate cloud.
Kaihin () : Insects come out of the ground (19-23 February): The hibernating insects emerge from their hiding places, attracted by the heat of the spring sun.
Keishun () : Spring opens (24-28 February): The season is growing, the days are growing longer and the temperatures are softening, inviting the flowers to open fully.

A Living and Integrated Calendar in Daily Life

The 72 season system is not simply a historical curiosity or abstract intellectual exercise. It is still used today by many Japanese, especially in traditional arts, agriculture and everyday life. The names of kō are often used in poetry, calligraphy and floral art, bringing a poetic and symbolic dimension to these artistic practices.

Farmers use it to plan their crops and anticipate harvests, while fishermen use it to predict fish migrations. More generally, the 72-season system is a rhythm for the daily life of the Japanese, inviting them to observe carefully the changes in their environment and appreciate the subtle beauty of every moment.

A Philosophy of Impermanence and Appreciation of the Present

Beyond its practical aspect, the 72 season system has a profound philosophical dimension. It reminds us of the ephemeral nature of all things, the inherent impermanence of life. Every season, every kō, lasts only a few days, inviting us to enjoy the fragile beauty of the present moment before it disappears.

This philosophy of impermanence, called “mono no aware” in Japanese, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It is found in many aspects of daily life, from tea ceremony to floral art, including XXX

Link to Japanese culture

Poetry and literature

Micro-seasons profoundly influence Japanese culture, especially through poetry. Haikus often include akigo, a word of season evoking a precise natural element. Sei Shōnagon, inBedside Notes, describes the beauty of spring showers or the freshness of autumn mornings.

Traditional arts

Japanese prints, such as those of Hokusai or Hiroshige, capture fleeting seasonal moments, such as flowering cherry trees or the first snow. These representations underline the importance of nature observation in Japanese art.

Cuisine and gastronomy

Thekaiseki, refined and seasonal meals, follows the season cycle using ingredients at their peak. The dishes highlight specific flavours, such as sakura-mochi in spring or chestnuts in autumn, highlighting the harmony between man and nature.

Impact on daily life

Festivals and traditions

The micro-seasons rhythm Japanese year through manyMatsuri, celebrating specific moments such as the flowering of plum trees or the harvest of rice. These events mark natural transitions and strengthen the link between the population and its environment.

Fashion and aesthetics

Textiles and patterns of clothing evolve with the seasons. In the summeryukatalight replace silk kimonos, while in autumn, maple leaf patterns become popular.

Daily gastronomy

In supermarkets and restaurants, products change regularly to reflect the seasons. There are khaki in autumn, citrus fruitsyuzuin winter and spring vegetables like theTakenoko(bamboo pod).

Illustrations and anecdotes

Historical and contemporary stories

In classical literature, texts such as those by Sei Shōnagon show acute sensitivity to the seasons. Today, the Japanese still share these impressions on social networks, posting photos of the first frost or summer sunset.

A notable anecdote

A tradition still very observed is listening to the first song of thehototogyu, a cuckoo announcing the arrival of summer. This moment symbolizes the transition from spring to summer heat and is often eagerly awaited.

Focus on some iconic seasons

Spring andhanami

The arrival of flowering cherry trees marks a key moment in the Japanese year. Thehanamiis a tradition where families and friends gather under the trees to contemplate the ephemeral beauty of pink petals.

Autumn andtsukimi

The entry into autumn is celebrated by thetsukimi, observation of the moon. This moment is accompanied by mochi tastings and floral arrangements of golden pampas.

Winter andKan no Iri

The beginning of winter, calledKan no Iri(entering the cold), is marked by comforting dishes like thenabeA warm stew shared with the family.

Historical developments

From the agricultural calendar to modern society

In the past, these micro-seasons followed the agricultural rhythm and daily life. Today, their perception has changed, although some traditions persist, especially in the kitchen and festivals.

Impact of climate change

With global warming, some seasonal transitions are changing. Cherries bloom earlier than in the past, and summers become longer and warmer. Despite this, attachment to these seasonal landmarks remains strong, and their celebration remains a fundamental element of Japanese identity.

Far from being a simple calendar system, Japan’s 72 seasons represent a unique way of perceiving the world, a philosophy of life that celebrates the fragile beauty of impermanence and invites us to cherish every precious moment. By adopting this philosophy, we can enrich our daily lives, cultivate a deep connection with nature and live in harmony with the rhythms of the world around us.

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