"Risshū", Beginning of Autumn Solar Term

The 13th Solar Term of the year in Japan is "Risshū" (立秋) or "Beginning of Autumn". It arrives around August 7th–8th - in 2026, it starts on August 7th. It is the moment when the sun reaches 135° along the ecliptic, marking the first step into autumn in Japan’s traditional 24 solar terms.

Even though the weather remains intensely hot, this celestial marker signals a subtle seasonal shift. The mornings feel a touch lighter, and high, delicate cirrocumulus clouds begin to appear hinting that cooler days are on their way. During the Risshū period, nature offers quiet signs of transition: the chorus of cicadas gradually blends with the softer voices of autumn insects, and foliage begins its slow change.

Risshu is the soler term during which the traditional 'Obon' period falls.  The first day also marks a shift in greetings in correspondence. Formal letters written after Risshū use late-summer phrasing (zansho-mimai) instead of midsummer greetings. Seasonal foods like watermelons, blueberries, ginger and shaved ice are still in high demand.

Even though, by the old farmer's almanac, autumn has officially begun, summer holidays, events and festivals will continue for several weeks. Risshu is not a dramatic shift, it's the introductory chapter of Autumn, and a reminder that the season begins quietly, long before the heat fades.