From Aug 17, 2026 to Aug 22, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 立秋(Risshuu), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 蒙霧升降(Fukaki kiri matou).

What Is “Fukaki kiri matou” (蒙霧升降)?

"Fukaki kiri matou" (蒙霧升降, Deep Mist Begins to Rise) is the final microseason of Risshū (立秋, Beginning of Autumn) in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms). It arrives each year around August 18 to August 22 as one of the seasonal markers in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons). By this time, the height of summer has passed, and the temperatures in the mornings and evenings begin to cool little by little. Along mountain paths and riverbanks, thick mists start to gather. "Fukaki kiri" (蒙霧) refers to a deep, heavy fog, while "matou" (升降) describes the way the mist rises gently into the air. This mist forms when the lingering heat of the day meets the coolness of the night. Warm air rising from the ground and water comes into contact with colder air, creating a dreamlike white fog that blankets the landscape — one of the many beautiful phenomena shaped by Japan's natural environment. "Fukaki kiri matou" also symbolizes the transition from summer to autumn. Although hints of autumn can already be felt in the height of the sky and the coolness of the breeze, the days often remain humid and warm. It is a season when people are more prone to fatigue and illness, making it important to eat seasonal foods and get proper rest. Since ancient times, the Japanese people have given names to the subtle changes in nature and used them as guides for daily life. "Fukaki kiri matou," one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), is a beautiful example of Japan's rich wisdom and sensitivity toward the changing seasons.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons