Start of the "minor cold"

Today, January 5th marks the start of Shōkan (小寒), the “Minor Cold,” in 2026. The "minor cold" is one of the 24 solar terms, that is used in eastern Asia. It is the second last, or 23rd, of the 24 "terms".  It occurs when the sun reaches 285° on the ecliptic, most often on January 5th or 6th.

Shōkan (小寒), or the “Minor Cold,”  marks the beginning of the coldest stretch of winter in the traditional 24 solar terms. Although its name suggests only a slight chill, this period is already bitterly cold and leads into Daikan, the “Major Cold,” later in January.

From Shōkan until the day before Risshun (the start of spring), which is roughly 30 days, the season is known as Kan (寒) or Kanchū (寒中) - the 'heart' of winter. It is a time historically associated with midwinter greetings, known as Kanchu Mimai in Japanese, and enduring the harshest weather of the year.