From Sep 12, 2026 to Sep 16, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 白露(Hakuro), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 鶺鴒鳴(Sekirei naku).

What Is “Sekirei naku” (鶺鴒鳴)?

"Sekirei Naku" (鶺鴒鳴) is one of Japan's Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) and typically falls around September 13 to 17 each year. It is the second microseason of Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) "Hakuro" (白露, White Dew), and literally means "the season when wagtails begin to sing." The "sekirei" (鶺鴒) refers to the wagtail, a small bird known for its slender tail that bobs up and down as it moves. The Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is a traditional calendar that delicately captures the changing rhythms of nature and the seasons in Japan. "Sekirei Naku" is especially associated with the deepening of autumn. As the lingering summer heat gradually fades and cool breezes begin to arrive in the mornings and evenings, the clear calls of wagtails can often be heard near rivers, rice fields, and farmland. Wagtails have also long been regarded in Japan as birds of good fortune. In Japanese mythology, they are sometimes associated with harmonious marriages and the prosperity of future generations. Because of this, they are beloved by many as birds that herald the arrival of autumn. "Sekirei Naku" is a seasonal expression that encourages people to pause amid the busyness of daily life and appreciate the subtle changes in nature, while rediscovering the unique beauty of Japan's four seasons. For those interested in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), it is considered one of the most evocative and charming microseasons of autumn.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons