From Mar 20, 2026 to Mar 24, 2026, the corresponding solar term in the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms) is 春分(Shunbun), and the corresponding microseason in the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons) is 雀始巣(Suzume hajimete sukuu).

What Is “Suzume hajimete sukuu” (雀始巣)?

"Suzume Hajimete Sukuu" (雀始巣) — meaning "the time when sparrows begin to build their nests" — is one of the Shichijūni Kō (72 microseasons), Japan's traditional system for dividing the year into fine seasonal intervals. It corresponds to the first microseason of Shunbun (the Spring Equinox), one of the Nijūshi Sekki (24 solar terms), and falls roughly between March 20 and March 24 each year. The Shichijūni Kō is an ancient Japanese calendar system that divides the year into 72 short seasons, each defined by subtle shifts in nature — the behavior of animals and plants, and the changing of natural phenomena. Among these, "Suzume Hajimete Sukuu" stands out for capturing an intimate, everyday scene: the familiar sight of sparrows beginning to build their nests as a marker of the season. During this period, sparrows busily carry dry grasses and straw to the eaves of houses, gaps in rooftiles, and tree branches, working earnestly to construct their nests. The sight of a pair of sparrows cooperating to gather nesting materials has long been cherished as a heartwarming sign that spring has truly arrived. This microseason often coincides with the peak of cherry blossom season, making it a particularly gentle and pleasant time of year. Temperatures gradually stabilize, fresh leaves begin to unfurl across hills and fields, and all manner of creatures grow more lively. In this sense, the sparrow's nest-building can be seen as a symbol of spring — the moment when the full pulse of life begins in earnest. If you take a moment to notice the chirping and fluttering of sparrows in your daily life, you may find yourself reconnecting with something the Shichijūni Kō has always sought to convey: the deep and enduring bond between nature and human life.

List of Japan’s 72 Microseasons