From Jan 15, 2026 to Jan 19, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 小寒(Shoukan), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 雉始雊(Kiji hajimete naku).

What Is “Kiji hajimete naku” (雉始雊)?

"Kiji Hajimete Naku" (雉始雊, The Pheasant Begins to Call) is one of the seasonal markers in Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), Japan's traditional system of dividing the year into finely observed seasonal phases. It corresponds to the final microseason of "Shōkan" (小寒, Minor Cold), one of the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), and typically falls between January 15 and January 19 each year. The Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is an ancient Japanese calendar that divides the year into 72 distinct seasons, each named after subtle changes in nature, such as the behavior of plants and animals or notable weather phenomena. Among these, "Kiji Hajimete Naku" is a particularly evocative microseason, capturing the quiet calls of pheasants echoing through the winter countryside as a sign of the changing season. The word "naku" (雊) in this context refers to the call of a male pheasant, often described as sounding like "keen, keen." Why do pheasants begin calling in the middle of winter, when the cold is still at its harshest? It is said that after the winter solstice, as daylight hours gradually begin to increase, pheasants instinctively sense the approach of spring. Even while snow may still cover the ground and the air remains bitterly cold, nature has already begun its quiet preparations for the season ahead. For centuries in Japan, the pheasant has been cherished as the country's national bird and has long been regarded as a symbol of good fortune and household well-being. During the season of "Kiji Hajimete Naku", take a moment to listen for the pheasant's call and appreciate the enduring vitality of life that persists even in the depths of winter. Observing the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) encourages us to reconnect with the natural world and brings a deeper sense of richness to everyday life. Let "Kiji Hajimete Naku" serve as an invitation to rediscover Japan's refined and sensitive appreciation of the changing seasons.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons