From Dec 7, 2026 to Dec 11, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 大雪(Taisetsu), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 閉塞成冬(Sora samuku fuyu to naru).

What Is “Sora samuku fuyu to naru” (閉塞成冬)?

"Sora Samuku Fuyu to Naru" (閉塞成冬) is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), Japan's traditional system of seasonal divisions. It is the first microseason of Taisetsu (大雪, Major Snow), one of the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), and typically falls between December 7 and December 11 each year. The phrase "Sora Samuku Fuyu to Naru" literally means that the energies of heaven and earth become sealed, ushering in the arrival of true winter. It describes a time when the sky is covered with thick clouds, the warmth and light of the sun seem shut away, and the yin energy of winter steadily grows stronger. In nature, trees and grasses wither, animals complete their preparations for hibernation, and a profound stillness settles over the land. During this period, snow begins to accumulate across much of Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast, while cold northern winds sweep through the Pacific side of the country. Temperatures drop sharply, and the chill of the early morning and evening becomes noticeably more severe. Although the winter solstice (around December 22) is still some days away, daylight already feels remarkably short, and many people sense the deepening of winter in the early arrival of dusk. In daily life, this is also the season when people begin making full use of winter heating comforts such as "kotatsu" tables and hot-water bottles. Warm dishes, including hot pots and meals featuring hearty root vegetables, become increasingly common at the dinner table. For centuries, the Japanese have used the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) to observe the subtle transitions of the seasons, living in close harmony with the rhythms of nature. By becoming familiar with the phrase "Sora Samuku Fuyu to Naru", we may discover a renewed sense of beauty and meaning in the scenery and atmosphere of early December—details that might otherwise pass unnoticed in the flow of everyday life.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons