Sparrows begin to build their nests

In 2026, March 20th marks the start of the tenth micro season of the year. It is called Sparrows begin to build their nests / Sparrows start to nest 雀始巣 Suzume hajimete sukū. It appears within the broader period of Shunbun, which also starts today, March 20th.

"Sparrows start to nest" is on for five days, from March 20th to 24th, in 2026. It marks the period when sparrows begin gathering twigs and grasses to build their nests, signaling that spring has truly settled in. Sparrows are very common in Japan and their movement brings energy back to the landscape. The building of their nests is a symbol of new beginnings.

Other changes in this period include early spring flowers reaching full bloom, softer light and longer days and we start to see a shift from just "awakening" to "active life" in nature. Sorry it's not a great photo, but I took this photo of a sparrow today in the rain!