From Oct 2, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 秋分(Shuubun), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 水始涸(Mizu hajimete karuru).

What Is “Mizu hajimete karuru” (水始涸)?

"Mizu Hajimete Karuru" (水始涸, "Water Begins to Dry Up") is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and typically falls between October 3 and October 7 each year. The Shichijūni Kō is a traditional Japanese calendar that divides the year into 72 finely observed seasonal periods, and "Mizu Hajimete Karuru" is one of these seasonal markers. This is the time when rice farmers begin a process known as "rakusui" (落水), or draining water from the rice paddies. As the rice plants ripen and their ears turn a rich golden color, an important stage of preparation for the harvest begins: drying the fields before reaping. Draining the water helps firm up the soil, making it easier for agricultural machinery such as combines to enter the paddies. It is an essential step toward ensuring a successful harvest. During "Mizu Hajimete Karuru", the water gradually recedes from rice fields across the country, and the shimmering surfaces that were once filled with water begin to disappear. In their place, vast stretches of golden rice ears sway gently in the autumn breeze, creating a quintessential scene of the Japanese countryside in fall. Although modern life offers fewer opportunities to connect directly with agriculture, learning about the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) provides a deeper appreciation of Japan's natural rhythms and the subtle progression of the seasons. "Mizu Hajimete Karuru" marks a quiet turning point as the land transitions from summer to autumn, heralding the arrival of the season of abundance and harvest.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons