Grain Rain

In 2026, April 20th marks the start of the sixth (of 24) solar term of the year, known as Grain Rain in English, from 穀雨 Kokuu in Japanese. Basically, it means the season when 'rain blesses the grains'. Farmers traditionally saw this period as the final cue to plant rice, barley and other crops.

"Grain Rain" occurs when the longitude of the sun reaches 30 degrees. It marks the period when spring rain begins to nourish the fields. I've seen a few quotes with sayings such as "spring rains, bring grains". It reminds of a saying we have in Ireland "April showers, bring May flowers". As the name implies, rainfall typically increases in Japan during this solar period. But the air still feels gentle rather than heavy.

During this solar term there are three micro seasons, that further highlight the changes in nature during the period: reeds sprouting, seedlings growing and peonies blooming. Sunshine strengthens during this period too, hinting at the coming of early summer.