Hello everyone! What comes to mind when you think of summer? Clear blue skies, scorching sun, crisp air, colorful fireworks, and cold kakigori (shaved ice) or ice cream? For many, summer is a special season. But have you ever wondered when exactly summer begins in Japan?
“Rikka”: The First Day of Summer
In Japan, the changing of seasons is determined by the 24 sekki (solar terms). These are 24 divisions of the year, each with its own name. The sekki that marks the beginning of summer is called “Rikka”.
Rikka falls around May 5th each year. From this day onward, summer officially begins according to the calendar. However, actual temperatures and weather conditions may not always align with the calendar. It’s not uncommon for cool days to continue even after Rikka.
The Meteorological Definition of Summer
In the field of meteorology, the beginning of summer is defined slightly differently. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a “summer day” is a day when the maximum temperature reaches or exceeds 25°C. In other words, when days with temperatures over 25°C become consistent, it’s considered the start of summer from a meteorological perspective.
Taking Tokyo as an example, summer days typically start appearing in early June. From July to August, almost every day is a summer day. So, in terms of actual feeling, summer begins around June.
Summer Symbols and Seasonal Transitions
We Japanese are a people who are sensitive to the changing of seasons. There are many symbols that herald the arrival of summer.
For instance, “fireflies”. From late May to June, you can see the fantastical lights of fireflies along rivers and in forests. Another is “hydrangeas”. June is the season when hydrangeas are at their best. Hydrangeas in various colors like purple, blue, pink, and white decorate the rainy season.
And what really makes us feel the arrival of summer is the “cicadas’ cry”. As July approaches, the chirping of cicadas intensifies. As a child, I was absorbed in catching cicadas when summer vacation began. The cicadas’ cry is a quintessential symbol of summer.
Conclusion
In Japan, summer officially begins around May 5th, which is “Rikka” according to the calendar. However, from a meteorological perspective, summer days start to continue from early June, and it’s considered that summer begins in June in terms of actual feeling.
Also, Japanese people are sensitive to symbols that herald the arrival of summer, such as fireflies, hydrangeas, and cicadas’ cries. Feeling the transitions of seasons is one of the characteristics of Japanese culture.
Why don’t you pay attention to the changes in nature this summer? You’re sure to make new discoveries and be moved. Let’s fully enjoy the Japanese summer!
