Microseason: Wild Geese Arrive

Wild Geese, Kōgan Kitaru (鴻鴈来) is the 49th micro-season of the year and the first of the three microseasons within Kanro (Cold Dew). It usually falls from around October 8th to October 12th and marks the arrival of migratory geese returning to Japan from their northern breeding grounds.  In the traditional calendar, their appearance was considered one of the clearest signs that autumn had deepened and colder weather was on its way. 

The name combines kōgan (鴻鴈), a traditional term for wild geese, with kitaru (来), meaning "to arrive". As daylight hours shorten, geese begin their long migration south from regions such as Siberia and the Russian Far East. Flying in their distinctive V-shaped formations, they travel to lakes, wetlands, and rivers throughout Japan, becoming seasonal messengers of autumn.

For people living in agricultural communities, Kōgan Kitaru coincided with the rice harvest season. Newly harvested fields provided feeding grounds for migratory birds, while the arrival of geese signalled that cooler temperatures were becoming established. Their calls overhead and the sight of flocks crossing the sky would have been familiar seasonal markers for farmers preparing for the months ahead.

Today, many people are more likely to notice Kōgan Kitaru through the changing scenery of October, such as the appearance of cosmos, marigold and chrysanthemum flowers. The tree leaves start to change color. Some of the gingko will even turn yellow during this period. Sweet potato flavored food and drinks are widespread, and freshly harvested rice is popular. Together with the sight of migratory birds passing overhead, these seasonal highlights make Kōgan Kitaru a memorable reminder that autumn is in full swing.