Nijushi Sekki: Japan's 24 Solar Terms

Twenty-four names marking roughly two-week stages of the year quietly shape weather reports, greeting cards and seasonal menus.

Published October 19, 2026 at 12:19 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Nijushi sekki are the 24 solar terms that divide the year into periods of about fifteen days, based on the sun's position. They came from the Chinese calendar and remain in use in Japan, with names like Risshun (start of spring), Shunbun (spring equinox) and Toji (winter solstice). Calendars and weather news often mention them.

What the 24 terms are

The nijushi sekki divide the year into twenty-four segments, each lasting around fifteen days. They are based on the position of the sun along its yearly path, so they follow the seasons more closely than lunar months. Each term has a name that describes a stage of the seasonal cycle. The system came from China, where it was developed for agriculture. It was adopted in Japan centuries ago and adapted to local climate.

Calendars list the terms, and many people use them to talk about the time of year, even if they do not follow every one. In modern times, the dates are fixed by astronomical calculation and fall around the same days each year, varying by a day or so. Because they are tied to the sun, the terms offer a stable way to mark the year, unlike festivals that depend on the lunar calendar.

Spring terms

The year in this system begins with Risshun, the start of spring, around early February. Though it is still cold, the name marks the turning point when days begin to feel longer. It falls the day after Setsubun, the bean-throwing festival. Next come Usui (rain water), when snow turns to rain, and Keichitsu (awakening of insects), when creatures stir. Shunbun is the spring equinox, around the third week of March, and is a national holiday.

Seimei (clear and bright) and Kokuu (grain rain) follow in April, when cherry blossoms and spring rains arrive. These names reflect farming life. Rain, warmth and the emergence of insects were signals for planting, and the terms helped farmers know when to prepare their fields. Spring is also when many people notice the first flowers and the change of light.

Summer terms

Rikka, the start of summer, falls in early May. Shoman (lesser fullness) refers to the growing of grain, and Boshu (grain in ear) marks the time for planting rice and harvesting wheat in some areas. Geshi, the summer solstice, occurs in late June, when the day is longest. Shosho (written with characters meaning lesser heat) and Taisho (greater heat) arrive in July, with the rainy season ending and the hottest days approaching.

Though the heat grows, the terms have a gentle tone. Shosho is the time when people send summer greeting cards, expressing concern for the recipient's health. Summer foods connect to these dates. Eel is traditionally eaten on a day in the hottest period called doyo no ushi no hi, and shaved ice and cold noodles are popular. Fireworks and festivals fill the evenings.

Autumn terms

Risshu, the start of autumn, falls in early August, when it is still very hot. The name signals that the season is turning, even though temperatures remain high. A different Shosho, written with characters meaning limit of heat, follows in late August, then Hakuro (white dew) in September, when mornings begin to feel cooler. Shubun, the autumn equinox, is in late September and is a national holiday, often associated with visiting family graves and enjoying seasonal food.

Kanro (cold dew) and Soko (frost descends) arrive in October, when leaves begin to change color in mountain regions. Autumn is a favorite season for many Japanese people. Harvest foods such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, persimmons and new rice are enjoyed, and the clear sky is celebrated in poetry. Autumn greetings often mention the cooler air and the clear sky.

Winter terms

Ritto, the start of winter, falls in early November. Shosetsu (lesser snow) and Taisetsu (greater snow) follow, marking the onset of snowfall in northern areas. Toji, the winter solstice, comes around December 22, and it is the shortest day. Many households eat pumpkin and take a bath with yuzu citrus, believed to bring good health. Shokan (lesser cold) and Daikan (greater cold) arrive in January, the coldest period.

The year of terms then returns to Risshun. Daikan is sometimes associated with traditional cold-weather activities and with making food such as miso, as the low temperature supports fermentation. Winter terms feel tied to home life, to warm baths, simple meals and time with family. Kotatsu heated tables, hot pots and warm drinks are enjoyed, and people look forward to the turning point of the solstice.

Seventy-two micro-seasons

Each of the 24 terms is further divided into three periods of about five days, creating 72 micro-seasons, called ko. These have poetic names such as east wind melts the ice, or first bush warblers sing. They offer a finer view of the year. Many Japanese calendars and websites display the names of the micro-seasons. Some people like to look at them as a daily reminder to notice nature.

The idea is that small changes, such as the first sound of a bird or the appearance of mist, deserve attention. Writing them in a small notebook is a pleasant habit, and the list becomes a personal record of the year. If you want to follow them, try noting one natural change each week. Your own observations may match the descriptions, or they might differ depending on your location. The terms were developed in China and adjusted for Japan, so local timing can vary.

How the terms appear in daily life and travel

You will see the sekki in several places. Weather reports mention the start of spring or the arrival of the greatest cold. Calendars print them, and newspapers sometimes include a column about the day's term. Greeting cards for summer and winter are tied to specific terms. Restaurants and shops craft menus or displays around the seasons. A kaiseki meal may include ingredients that reflect the current sekki, and seasonal wagashi often match the name.

Shrines hold ceremonies on certain dates. Cultural sites such as tea houses and gardens also respond to the cycle. A visit at the right time lets you see how traditions follow the year, from plum blossoms in early spring to chrysanthemum shows in autumn. If you are planning a trip, the sekki give hints about conditions. Risshun and Usui are still cold, but plum blossoms may be out. Seimei is a good time for cherry blossoms in many regions.

Geshi coincides with the rainy season in much of Japan, so plan indoor options. Hakuro to Kanro bring comfortable temperatures in many places, and Soko and Ritto are good for autumn color. Toji and Daikan call for warm clothes and winter activities such as hot springs and snow festivals. Check the weather forecast for actual conditions, since climate varies by region and year. Use the sekki as a cultural reference, and enjoy noticing how the names fit the scene around you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many solar terms are there?

There are twenty-four, each lasting about fifteen days. They are based on the sun's position and divide the year into roughly equal segments. Each has a name describing the stage of the season, such as the start of spring, the spring equinox or the winter solstice.

Are the dates the same every year?

They fall on roughly the same dates each year, within a day or two, because they are astronomically determined. Calendars print the exact dates for the year. This stability makes them a useful reference for seasonal greetings, weather reports and seasonal menus.

What is the difference between sekki and the 72 micro-seasons?

The 24 sekki are the larger divisions of about fifteen days. Each is split into three smaller periods of about five days, making 72 micro-seasons with poetic names such as east wind melts the ice. The finer divisions invite closer attention to small changes in nature.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Gosekku: Japan's Five Seasonal Festivals, Kigo: Seasonal Words in Japanese Poetry and Daily Life and The Emperor's Birthday: Japan's National Holiday Explained.