From Mar 10, 2026 to Mar 14, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 啓蟄(Keichitsu), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 桃始笑(Momo hajimete saku).

What Is “Momo hajimete saku” (桃始笑)?

"Momo Hajimete Saku" (桃始笑) is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) that divide the Japanese year into fine seasonal intervals, and it falls as the second microseason within "Keichitsu" (啓蟄), one of the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms). It marks the period from around March 10th to March 14th each year. The use of the word "warau" (笑, "to smile") to describe flowers stems from an old Japanese tradition of expressing the blooming of flowers as "laughing" or "smiling." The phrase poetically captures the moment when peach blossoms begin to unfurl and open as if breaking into a gentle smile — a beautiful expression that heralds the arrival of spring. During this time, pink peach blossoms begin to bloom across Japan. The peach tree has long been cherished in both China and Japan as a symbol of protection against evil, longevity, and good fortune. It appears in the "Kojiki" (古事記), Japan's oldest chronicle, in a scene where peaches are used to ward off malevolent spirits, and peach blossoms are also an essential element of "Hinamatsuri" (the Doll Festival) on March 3rd — reflecting the tree's deep roots in Japanese culture. The Shichijūni Kō is a uniquely Japanese seasonal calendar that divides the year into approximately five-day periods based on changes in weather and the behavior of plants and animals. In an age before modern calendars and weather forecasts, people relied on these natural cues to guide their farming and daily lives. "Momo Hajimete Saku" is one such period — a crystallization of the careful observation and wisdom of those who came before us, who noted with precision the moment when peach blossoms open alongside the warmth of spring. Even in our busy modern lives, knowing the name "Momo Hajimete Saku" can offer a quiet invitation to pause and notice the subtle shifts of nature unfolding around us.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons