Microseason: Cool Wind Arrives

Wind chimes blow in the breeze.

In 2026, August 7th marks the start of the Cool Winds Arrive 涼風至 (Suzukaze Itaru) microseason. It is the first microseason of the Solar Term "Beginning of Autumn", which also starts on August 7th this year. It is the period when the first cool winds of early Autumn are said to brush through Japan.

The heat is still heavy and relentless, but there is a minor shift - a breeze that feels light on the skin, a hint of dryness in the air and after dusk the heat seems more manageable than before. In fields and parks, grasses begin to sway differently, and evening insects add softer notes to the summer chorus. 

Seasonal foods remain firmly summery, such as watermelon, ginger, mint, blueberries, and shaved ice. But with each day there is a slight hint that the season is finally turning and subtle signs that autumn is on its way.