From Apr 15, 2026 to Apr 19, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 清明(Seimei), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 虹始見(Niji hajimete arawaru).

What Is “Niji hajimete arawaru” (虹始見)?

"Niji Hajimete Arawaru" (虹始見, "Rainbows First Appear") is one of Japan's Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and corresponds to the final microseason of Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) known as Seimei (清明). It typically falls between around April 14 and April 18 each year, marking the time when spring deepens and increasing moisture in the air allows rainbows to appear more frequently. During winter, the dry air makes rainbows relatively rare, but after the gentle rains of spring, beautiful rainbows begin to grace the sky more often. The Shichijūni Kō is a traditional seasonal calendar originally passed down from ancient China and later adapted in Japan to express subtle changes in nature and climate throughout the year. Among these microseasons, "Niji Hajimete Arawaru" is especially known as a poetic expression symbolizing the changing skies as spring gradually transitions into early summer. In recent years, it has also attracted attention from people who value traditional Japanese lifestyles and seasonal awareness, and it is frequently used in haiku, seasonal almanacs, and Japanese-style creative works. The phrase "Niji Hajimete Arawaru" also carries a beautiful symbolic meaning: just as a rainbow appears when sunlight breaks through after the rain, it evokes feelings of hope and new beginnings. For those interested in Japanese traditional culture and seasonal language, "Niji Hajimete Arawaru" is one of the Shichijūni Kō that offers a chance to rediscover the charm of spring.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons