From Jul 23, 2026 to Jul 27, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 大暑(Taisho), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 桐始結花(Kiri hajimete hana wo musubu).

What Is “Kiri hajimete hana wo musubu” (桐始結花)?

"Kiri Hajimete Hana wo Musubu" (桐始結花, "Paulownia Trees Begin to Bear Flowers") is one of the Japanese Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and corresponds to the first microseason of Taisho (大暑) in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms). It usually falls between around July 23 and July 27 each year, marking the time when paulownia trees bloom and begin to form seeds. The Shichijūni Kō is a traditional Japanese calendar system that divides the year into 72 finely tuned seasonal periods. Originally introduced from ancient China, it later evolved uniquely in Japan to reflect the country's climate and culture. Each microseason is named after changes in plants, animals, or natural phenomena, allowing people to appreciate the subtle transitions of the seasons in great detail. The paulownia tree has long been familiar and beloved in Japan. Known for its pale purple, bell-shaped flowers, it is admired for its graceful beauty against the blue skies of early summer. Because the tree grows remarkably quickly, an old saying tells of planting a paulownia tree when a daughter is born and using the matured wood to make a "tansu" chest (箪笥) when she marries. In this way, the tree has long been deeply connected to Japanese daily life and culture. Paulownia wood is lightweight and resistant to moisture, making it highly valued for traditional crafts such as "kiri tansu" chests for storing kimono (桐箪笥) and wooden "geta" sandals (桐下駄). The paulownia motif also appears on the Japanese 500-yen coin and the emblem of the Cabinet Office, symbolizing its important place in Japanese culture. The season of "Kiri Hajimete Hana wo Musubu" arrives in the refreshing early summer. As the greenery deepens and nature overflows with vitality, the quiet blooming of the paulownia flowers reflects the rhythms of nature that Japanese people have cherished since ancient times. By paying attention to the Shichijūni Kō, one can discover the delicate seasonal changes woven into everyday life.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons