Wild Geese Fly North

This year (2026) April 10th marks the first day of the 14th micro season, known as Wild Geese Fly North, 鴻雁北, Kōgan kaeru. It is the second micro season of the solar term known as "Pure and Clear" (Seimei). It continues to April 14th in 2026.

Historically, it was the period when the wild geese who spent their winter in Japan, would begin their long journey back to the northern continents. Their departure forms a poetic counterpoint to the preceding micro season known as "swallows return" from the south. For a brief moment, the sky holds both greetings and farewells.

However, in recent years, due to climate change, the geese have often already left by the time this micro season comes around. Instead, you can see a movement of ducks around this time. Still, the symbolism of "wild geese fly north" remains, indicating a further movement away from winter.