Microseason: Thunder Ceases

The 46th (of 72) microseason of the year is Thunder Ceases 雷乃収声 Kaminari Sunawachi Koe o Osamu. It is the first microseason of the Autumn Equinox Solar Term. In 2026, it is on for five days from September 23rd to 27th. 

As the name suggests, this microseason focuses on one of the most noticeable signs of seasonal change: the fading sound of summer thunderstorms. Rather than suggesting thunder disappears entirely, it describes how its voice gradually grows quieter. The towering cumulonimbus clouds and sudden evening storms of summer become less frequent, while clearer skies and more stable weather arrive. Although, you wouldn't think it this year as there has been persistent rain and more to come.

For people in agricultural communities, this change in weather carried practical importance. Summer thunderstorms could bring heavy rain and unpredictable conditions, but their decline signaled that the rice-growing season was entering its final stage. Farmers watched the skies closely for signs of stable weather to get on with harvesting.

Seasonal foods such as freshly harvested rice, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and chestnuts have almost completely replaced summer season fruits and vegetables. In convenience stores and restaurants, the Tsukimi themed foods have taken central stage. Tsukimi falls in this microseason this year, on September 25th. What seasonal foods are you seeing in the shops and restaurants?