From Oct 7, 2026 to Oct 11, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 寒露(Kanro), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 鴻雁来(Kougan kitaru).

What Is “Kougan kitaru” (鴻雁来)?

"Kōgan Kitaru" (鴻雁来, Wild Geese Arrive) is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and corresponds to the first microseason of "Kanro" (寒露, Cold Dew), a period that typically falls between October 8 and October 12 each year. During this time, migratory geese are traditionally believed to begin arriving in Japan from regions such as the Eurasian continent. The term "kōgan" (鴻雁) refers to large wild geese, while "kitaru" (来) means "to arrive." As autumn deepens, the sight of geese traveling south from northern lands has long been regarded as a symbol of the changing season and the arrival of autumn in Japan. Geese have been celebrated in classical Japanese literature and waka poetry for centuries. Their calls, known as "karigane" (雁が音, "the cry of wild geese"), are also recognized as a seasonal word associated with autumn. Flocks of geese flying in formation across the evening sky evoke a sense of quiet melancholy and beauty, making them an enduring symbol of the season in Japanese culture. Although sightings of wild geese have become less common in modern urban areas, they can still be observed in rural regions and around lakes and wetlands. The period of "Kōgan Kitaru" also marks a seasonal transition, when mornings and evenings grow noticeably cooler and the first signs of autumn foliage begin to appear. By paying attention to the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), one can gain a deeper appreciation for the rhythms of nature and the subtle progression of Japan's four seasons.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons