Japanese Culture
Seasons & Calendar
Seasons & Calendar
What is this section about?
A place to follow Japan's year in order: the 24 solar terms, the 72 microseasons, and the events that come with each season.
Moon viewing, the Chrysanthemum Festival, the 210th day, summer greetings. Each turn of the Japanese year has its own named days and customs. Rather than asserting origins, these articles look at what people see, eat, and say at each moment of the season.
Articles
When Is Labor Thanksgiving Day 2026? | Monday, November 23 — Japan’s Holiday and Its Harvest Roots in Niinamesai
Labor Thanksgiving Day 2026 in Japan is Monday, November 23rd, creating a three-…
When Is Osechi Eaten? | January 1–3, 2027 — A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese New Year Food
Osechi, Japan’s New Year food, is eaten from New Year’s Day through …
Glossary
- 二十四節気にじゅうしせっき
- 一年を太陽の動きに合わせて二十四に分けた季節の区切り。立春・夏至・秋分・冬至などが含まれる。
- 七十二候しちじゅうにこう
- 二十四節気をさらに三つずつに分けた、およそ五日ごとの季節の目安。動植物や気象の変化を短いことばで表す。
- 雑節ざっせつ
- 二十四節気とは別に、季節の移り変わりの目安として暦に記される日。節分・彼岸・土用・二百十日など。
- 年中行事ねんちゅうぎょうじ
- 一年の決まった時期に繰り返し行われる行事の総称。月見や七夕など、季節と結びついたものが多い。