【24 Solar Terms】
Shōsho (Minor Heat)

Shōsho (Lesser Heat)

Around July 7th - 22nd

Shōsho (Lesser Heat) marks the beginning of summer's full intensity.

Looking up at the sky, you'll see towering cumulonimbus clouds. Warm, humid air rises, and as it cools in the upper atmosphere, it forms water droplets and ice crystals that gather to create those distinctive, massive clouds.

Cicadas' calls echo everywhere, and strong sunlight and hot winds descend upon the ground. However, some regions are still in the rainy season, making it a time when muggy heat takes a toll on the body.

According to the calendar, this is when the heat begins to set in, and it's also a guideline for when to start sending "shochu mimai" (summer greeting cards). The sunlight grows stronger each day, and in recent years, it truly feels like the middle of summer. The leaves of plants become even deeper green, and rivers and seas sparkle as they reflect the light, making it a dazzling season.

 

Seventy-Two Microseasons

Around July 7th - 11th: "Atsukaze Itaru" (Hot Winds Arrive)

This is when hot winds begin to blow.

Even within the heavy air of the rainy season, a sudden breeze brings a clear sign of summer. The rustling of plants and the gentle movement of people's hair as they pass by will make you truly feel the change of season.

These winds are not just hot; they also dry plants, awaken insects, and prepare summer life.

 

Around July 12th - 16th: "Hasu Hajimete Hiraku" (Lotus Flowers Begin to Open)

Lotus flowers gently begin to open on the surface of ponds and marshes.

Large, magnificent flowers float on the quiet waters in the early morning. Revered since ancient times as sacred, the lotus has an ambiance that suggests time flows slowly. Its ephemeral beauty, opening and closing and withering in just a few days, is also part of its charm.

Leaves and flowers sway on the water's surface, with fish swimming among them. It's a scene that brings a sense of coolness amid the heat.

 

Around July 17th - 22nd: "Taka Sunawachi Gakushūsu" (Hawks Learn to Fly)

This is when hawk chicks begin to prepare for fledging, learning to fly.

The sight of young hawks repeatedly flapping their wings under the vast sky encapsulates both the harshness of nature and the resilient power of growth. Their upward flight into the sky reminds us of the expanse and crispness of the summer sky.

Step by step, they powerfully spread their wings to live independently. A small story of nature unfolds in the summer sky.

 

Seasonal Delights and Events

Around the time of Shōsho, summer's bounty fills the stores.

Vibrant and fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, bitter gourds, okra, and corn are at their peak. Simply boiling or grilling them allows you to savor their robust flavor and summery aroma. For a heated body, chilled summer vegetable pickles are a true treat.

As for fish, horse mackerel, chicken grunt, and rock oysters are in season. Seafood raised in cold waters is rich in flavor yet has a refreshing aftertaste, gently soothing a body tired from the heat.

A representative seasonal event is Tanabata (Star Festival).

The custom of hanging wishes written on strips of paper on bamboo branches originated from a star festival introduced from China, combined with ancient Japanese beliefs. It's a day to look up at the night sky, imagining the love story of Orihime and Hikoboshi, separated by the Milky Way, meeting only once a year.

 

Summary of "Shōsho"

Shōsho is the season just before the full heat of summer arrives.

The sky is endlessly high, plants don on a deeper, darker green, and the calls of cicadas multiply. Even though the heat can be tough on the body, it's a blessing of energy for nature. During this period when light, wind, and water converge, the natural world extends its life to the fullest.

With the rainy season nearing its end, both the air and the sky grow distinctly summery.

The temperature of the wind, the scent of the sky, and the aromas of vegetables all signal preparations for the height of summer.

The next solar term is finally Daisho (Greater Heat). The season moves steadily towards the time when the sun's power is at its strongest.