From Aug 12, 2026 to Aug 16, 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 寒蝉鳴(Higurashi naku).

What Is “Higurashi naku” (寒蝉鳴)?

"Higurashi Naku" (寒蝉鳴, "the evening cicadas begin to sing") is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and corresponds to the second microseason of Risshū (立秋), the beginning of autumn, within the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms). It falls around August 13 to August 17 each year, marking the gradual close of summer and the first signs of autumn in Japan. The term "Higurashi" (寒蝉) refers to the evening cicada, known for its wistful, echoing call of "kana-kana-kana…". Because these cicadas are most active during the cool hours of dawn and dusk, their song evokes both the lingering spirit of summer and the subtle arrival of autumn. The Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is a traditional Japanese calendar system that divides the year into 72 finely nuanced seasonal periods, each capturing delicate changes in nature. Among them, "Higurashi Naku" is especially beloved as a season that announces the turning of the seasons through sound. The song of the higurashi has long appeared in haiku and waka poetry, reflecting its deep connection to Japanese sensibilities and seasonal awareness. Although the calendar says autumn begins after Risshū in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), the weather often remains intensely hot. Yet hearing the higurashi's gentle cry during this lingering heat somehow brings a refreshing sense of coolness and quiet transition—perhaps a uniquely Japanese feeling toward the seasons. Why not pause and listen to the rhythms of nature, and take time to appreciate this delicate passage from summer into autumn?

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons