Have you ever heard of Nijushi Sekki (二十四節気), the 24 solar terms?

In Japan, we divide the year into 24 small seasons, each lasting about 15 days. Each season has its own beautiful name, reflecting subtle changes in nature and everyday life.

Today is the last day of Soko (霜降), meaning "the frost begins to fall." Tomorrow, winter officially begins with Ritto (立冬).

I'd like to share these little seasonal changes with you, one at a time.

A Little Discovery on My Morning Walk

On my morning walk, I looked up at a tree I had never really noticed before. It was full of beautiful orange fruit!

It was a persimmon tree (kaki, 柿)!

Persimmons are one of the fruits that remind us of autumn in Japan. They are also rich in vitamin C.

Some persimmons are naturally sweet, while others are astringent (shibugaki). Astringent persimmons can be transformed into delicious dried persimmons (hoshigaki, 干し柿).

We peel them and hang them outside in the sun and fresh air for several weeks until they become sweet and soft.

It's a traditional Japanese way of enjoying the season. And sometimes, waiting is part of the pleasure!

Let's Talk About Seasons!

Do you like persimmons?

Is there a particular fruit in your country that reminds you of a certain season?

I'd love to hear about the seasonal fruits and traditions in your country!

日本の二十四節気と柿

「二十四節気」を知っていますか？

日本では、1年を24の小さな季節に分け、約15日ごとに美しい名前がつけられています。自然の変化や日々の暮らしに寄り添った、昔ながらの暦です。

今日は「霜降（そうこう）」の最後の日。明日からは冬の始まりを告げる「立冬」です。

毎朝のウォーキング中、ふと見上げた木に、オレンジ色の実がたくさんなっていました。

柿の木でした！

柿は秋を感じさせてくれる、日本の代表的な果物のひとつ。ビタミンCも豊富です。

渋柿は、皮をむいて天日に吊るし、数週間かけて干し柿にします。

時間をかけて甘くなっていく干し柿。待つ時間も、日本の季節の楽しみですね。

みなさんは、柿は好きですか？

みなさんの国にも、季節の移り変わりを感じさせてくれる果物はありますか？

ぜひ教えてください！

Vocabulary

• Nijushi Sekki (二十四節気): The 24 solar terms

• Soko (霜降): The solar term from around October 23 to November 6

• Ritto (立冬): The beginning of winter

• Kaki (柿): Persimmon

• Shibugaki (渋柿): Astringent persimmon

• Hoshigaki (干し柿): Dried persimmon

Interested in Japanese food culture and everyday life?

Join my Feel JAPAN lesson!
Feel JAPAN ー 飾らない日本の暮らし・食文化と日常の知恵

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New students are welcome to start with a 15-minute trial lesson for just 500 points.