"Taisho": Major Heat Solar Term

The 12th Solar Term of the year is "Taisho" 大暑 also sometimes called "Greater Heat", "Fuller Heat" or "Blistering Heat". It is on from July 23rd to August 6th in 2026. It is the period when summer reaches its peak. According to Japan's traditional calendar, this is when the sun sits at 120° ecliptic longitude, marking the hottest stretch of the year.

During "Taisho", humidity rises, cicadas scream, and the sky often fills with towering clouds. The clouds do little to relieve the heat though. Especially in recent years when we seem to reach new temperature records year on year. In the olden days, a bamboo screen and "uchimizu", splashing water, were some of the ways people stayed cool. But nowadays, in many parts of Japan, you can't live comfortably without air conditioning now. 

At this time of year, cucumbers, sōmen, cold soups, and other chilled dishes become staples on the table. People eat foods for stamina, while drinks, ice cream, and shaved ice are in constant demand. Garden plants wilt in the heat, yet weeds thrive, and the rice paddies grow vigorously. Sunflowers bloom in many places. Wind chimes ring in the breeze, and festivals seem to happen almost every day. It’s a fun, yet undeniably challenging time to be in Japan.