From Jan 10, 2026 to Jan 14, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 小寒(Shoukan), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 水泉動(Shimizu atataka wo fukumu).

What Is “Shimizu atataka wo fukumu” (水泉動)?

"Shimizu Atataka wo Fukumu (水泉動, Water Springs Stir Beneath the Ice)" is one of the seasonal markers in Japan's traditional "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)" calendar. It is the second microseason following "Shōkan (小寒, Lesser Cold)" in the "Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms)" and typically falls between January 10 and January 14 each year. The "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)" is an ancient Japanese calendar that divides the year into 72 finely nuanced seasons, capturing subtle changes in nature. Among these, "Shimizu Atataka wo Fukumu" describes the moment when spring water, frozen beneath the ground during winter, begins to stir ever so slightly despite the season's deepest cold. Even in the heart of midwinter, the first signs of life preparing for spring are quietly emerging deep beneath the earth. Japan's ancestors expressed this wonder of nature through the beautiful phrase "Shimizu Atataka wo Fukumu", conveying the idea that renewal has already begun, though it remains hidden from view. This period is one of the coldest times of the year. Yet, as "Shimizu Atataka wo Fukumu" suggests, even when no visible changes can be seen on the surface, the earth is gradually awakening with the energy of spring. The "Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons)" tradition gives names to these subtle, often invisible signs of nature, fostering a deep appreciation for the changing seasons and the delicate rhythms of the natural world. Even today, "Shimizu Atataka wo Fukumu" invites us to pause and listen for the faint hints of spring concealed within the winter cold. By embracing Japan's traditional sense of the seasons in our daily lives, we can deepen our connection with nature and become more attuned to its quiet transformations.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons