From Jul 7, 2026 to Jul 11, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 小暑(Shousho), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 温風至(Atsukaze itaru).

What Is “Atsukaze itaru” (温風至)?

"Atsukaze Itaru" (温風至, "Warm Winds Arrive") is one of the seasonal markers in Japan's traditional calendar system known as the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons). It corresponds to the period around July 7 to July 12 each year. As the first microseason of Shōsho (小暑) in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), it signifies the time when warm, heat-laden summer winds begin to blow. The Shichijūni Kō is an ancient Japanese calendar that divides the year into 72 microseasons, delicately capturing changes in nature and the shifting of the seasons. Among them, "Atsukaze Itaru" is known as a seasonal marker that heralds the arrival of full-fledged summer. It is also the time when the end of the rainy season draws near, the sunlight grows stronger, and hot, humid days become more frequent. The phrase "Atsukaze Itaru" conveys more than simply "warm winds." It reflects the uniquely Japanese sensitivity to the subtle yet profound transformations of the seasons. Around this time, cicadas begin to sing, summer vegetables come into season, and the signs of summer become increasingly vivid in nature. In earlier times, people used the period of "Atsukaze Itaru" as a guide for managing their health and preparing for agricultural work. Even today, incorporating the Shichijūni Kō into daily life can help people feel more connected to the beauty of Japan's four seasons and the natural world. "Atsukaze Itaru" is one of the many beautiful expressions that symbolize Japan's traditional culture and deep appreciation of the seasons.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons