【The 24 Solar Terms】
Risshu (Beginning of Autumn)

Risshū (Beginning of Autumn)

Around August 7th - 22nd

Although the calendar marks this as the beginning of autumn, written as "autumn stands," it is still a time of intense sunshine.

While it is very much the height of summer, a slight coolness begins to mix in with the morning and evening breezes, and the sounds of insects start to echo from the草むら (kusāmura - grass thickets).

In the clear blue sky, not only cumulonimbus clouds but also faintly spreading cirrocumulus clouds can be sensed.

After a period of continuously rising energy, the season gradually begins to shift from the peak of summer.

 

The Seventy-Two Micro-Seasons

Around August 7th - 11th: Suzukaze Itaru (Cool breezes arrive)

The first micro-season of Risshū is when "cool breezes" begin to blow.

Although the daytime is still sweltering, noticing the slightly cool breeze after sunset brings a delightful sense of "getting ahead of the season."

 

Around August 12th - 16th: Higurashi Naku (Evening cicadas sing)

The "kanakanakana..." cry of the higurashi, symbolizing the end of summer, begins to echo.

The clear "kanakanakana..." sound, like a wind chime, seems to carry a hint of sadness.

This is also the midst of Obon, when ancestors are said to return to the present world.

 

Around August 17th - 22nd: Mōmu Shōkō (Thick fog ascends and descends)

This is the time when mist begins to rise in the mornings and evenings, and the air becomes more autumnal.

The white mist rising from fields and meadows in the early morning, caused by the deeper evening chill, is proof that the temperature difference between day and night has widened.

Slowly but surely, the season is progressing towards autumn.

 

Seasonal Delicacies, Events, etc.

The ingredients that come into season around Risshū are often richly colored, fitting for the changing season.

Summer vegetables like corn, okra, edamame, and eggplant continue to brighten supermarket shelves, while fruits such as peaches, figs, grapes, and watermelons are at their peak.

Even on days too hot for cooking with fire, many of these ingredients can be deliciously enjoyed as chilled dishes or steamed, which is another charm of this season.

This is also the time when news of "hatsu-sanma" (first Pacific saury) arrives from the ports. While not yet fatty, its light flavor soothes bodies tired by the heat.

Obon, an event still deeply familiar to Japanese people, also falls during this period.

It is one of the important customs for annually commemorating and comforting the spirits of ancestors, where ancient beliefs and prayers live on through traditions like shōryō-uma (spirit horses) and mukae-bi/okuri-bi (welcoming/sending-off fires).

 

Summary of "Risshū"

Risshū, occurring in the midst of summer's heat, can be seen as a micro-season for noticing subtle signs of autumn.

The chirping of insects echoing in the evening after a muggy day, the pleasant night breeze. The moment you perceive the arrival of autumn through your own senses is truly enriching.