Keichitsu and Japan’s Forty Seasonal Divisions: A Journey Through Customs, History, and Regional Characteristics

Keichitsu and Japan’s Forty Seasonal Divisions: A Journey Through Customs, History, and Regional Characteristics

Hello, I’m Kasumi, a travel web writer. After traveling through Japan’s 47 prefectures, I discovered the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes and the richness of seasonal customs in various regions. In this article, I will discuss “Keichitsu,” which signifies the arrival of spring, and explore the history, significance, characteristics, and contemporary customs of this solar term across different regions.

“Keichitsu” marks a period where signs of spring are felt, and it’s a moment when changes in the natural world become pronounced. During this time, various events are held throughout Japan, and each region has its own unique customs that are still alive. I want to convey the charm of Keichitsu through the landscapes of the places I visited and the stories of the local people.

The four seasons of Japan are unique, and the meanings and customs of each season lead to a deep understanding of Japanese culture. Through Keichitsu, we can feel the arrival of spring in Japan and gain new perspectives in our daily lives by touching upon the local culture and history. So, let’s embark on a journey into the world of Keichitsu together.

Keichitsu and the Voice of Nature Signaling Spring’s Arrival

The Meaning and Historical Background of Keichitsu

The term “Keichitsu” signifies the deepening of spring and the revitalization of nature. Originating from ancient Chinese calendars, it has long been part of Japanese tradition. Literally meaning “insects awaken from the soil,” Keichitsu symbolizes the awakening of life in the natural world. During this period, insects that slept underground during winter start to emerge, and trees begin to sprout new buds.

In Japan, a culture that places great importance on the changing seasons, each solar term is imbued with special meaning. Keichitsu is one such term, marking an important phase in the arrival of spring, and has traditionally nurtured a sense of harmony with nature in agriculture and daily life.

Contemporary Customs of Keichitsu

Even today, Keichitsu is celebrated in various ways across Japan. For instance, in Shizuoka Prefecture, which I visited, special prayers are conducted at local shrines during Keichitsu, a traditional ritual praying for safety in the new season and a bountiful harvest. In some regions, small festivals are held to celebrate Keichitsu, where locals gather to welcome the arrival of spring.

During Keichitsu, various events are held nationwide, allowing one to experience the culture and customs of each region. Participating in these festivals and events, I could feel the beauty of each Japanese season and the deep reverence of the people for these seasonal changes.

Regional Customs of Keichitsu – Celebrating Spring in Different Areas

Keichitsu customs in various parts of Japan – How to celebrate spring in each region

From north to south, Japan, a long archipelago, exhibits varied climates and cultures, which is reflected in the celebration of Keichitsu. In colder regions like Hokkaido, Keichitsu marks a moment when the arrival of spring is strongly felt. Here, the awakening of nature after a long winter warms the hearts of the people. During my visit, small villages celebrated the arrival of spring with warm gatherings where locals shared homemade meals, enjoying the joy of welcoming spring together.

In warmer regions, such as Okinawa, Keichitsu marks the early arrival of spring. Here, the blooming of spring flowers and the stronger presence of life can be felt more robustly. Locals celebrate this period with picnics by the seaside and festivals of gratitude at local shrines.

Regional Characteristics and Their Modern Influence

The diverse customs of Keichitsu in different regions are deeply rooted in their respective histories and cultures. For example, in Kyoto, special ceremonies are held at historic temples and shrines during Keichitsu, a way of celebrating the arrival of spring that is intertwined with the elegant culture of the old capital.

These regional customs of Keichitsu not only strengthen local communities but also offer tourists an opportunity to experience Japan’s diverse culture. During my visits, I was moved by the warm welcome of the locals and their enthusiasm for celebrating the change of seasons. Keichitsu transcends a mere natural phenomenon, deeply influencing people’s lives and culture.

Keichitsu and Japan’s Nature – Experiencing Seasonal Changes

The Natural Aspect of Keichitsu – Budding and Awakening of Life

Keichitsu is also a significant period in the natural world. Throughout Japan, nature is filled with the breath of life during this time. In the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, for example, plants that slept during winter start to bud simultaneously as Keichitsu arrives. The fresh greenery of trees and the beginning of wildflowers blooming are moments that truly signify the arrival of spring. These natural changes make us feel the transition of seasons, signaling the start of a new year.

Differences in Nature by Region and Their Charm

Japan’s natural scenery varies significantly by region. From the vast plains of Hokkaido, the mountains of Honshu, the warm coastlines of Shikoku, to the coral reefs of Okinawa, each region has its own unique natural environment. Visiting these regions during Keichitsu allows one to observe the different ways spring arrives in each place.

For instance, in Hokkaido, the moment when the land recovers life after a harsh winter is striking. Here, the melting snow flows into rivers, and wildlife begins to stir. Conversely, in warmer Okinawa, the early warm sea breezes and the blooming of colorful flowers herald the arrival of spring.

Traveling through these regions allowed me to appreciate the diversity and beauty of Japan’s nature. Keichitsu offers an excellent opportunity to experience the rich natural environment and seasonal changes of Japan.

Keichitsu and Japanese Traditional Culture – Incorporating the Solar Term into Life

Traditional Events Celebrating Keichitsu and Their Significance

Keichitsu is deeply rooted in Japanese traditional culture. Traditional events and festivals held in various places play a crucial role in conveying the meaning of Keichitsu to modern times. For example, in Nara, where I visited, an elegant ceremony is held on Keichitsu day. This

ritual expresses gratitude to ancestors and hopes for a bountiful spring harvest. Locals, dressed in traditional attire, offer prayers at shrines.

Such events not only convey traditional Japanese values and customs to the modern era but also serve as opportunities to strengthen community bonds. Through Keichitsu, the Japanese people’s respect for nature and their appreciation for the changing seasons are nurtured.

Incorporating Keichitsu into Modern Life

In contemporary Japan, Keichitsu is incorporated into daily life in various ways. For instance, with the arrival of Keichitsu, many households perform a thorough spring cleaning. This tradition symbolizes preparing for the new season in a fresh environment, sweeping away the old energy of the house to welcome new life.

In cuisine, menus reflecting Keichitsu start appearing. Dishes using seasonal spring ingredients are a wonderful way to savor the season. At a high-end restaurant in Kyoto I visited, a special course menu related to Keichitsu was available, allowing one to enjoy exquisite dishes while feeling the transition of the seasons.

These ways of incorporating Keichitsu into daily life demonstrate how Japanese people live in harmony with nature’s rhythms and offer a method to deeply experience Japan’s four seasons.

Keichitsu and Japanese Food Culture – Enjoying Spring Flavors and Foods

Spring Ingredients and Dishes That Herald Spring’s Arrival

With the arrival of Keichitsu, spring ingredients abundantly appear on the dining table. In Okayama, which I visited, the harvesting of wild spring vegetables begins during Keichitsu. These vegetables are very popular as a taste of spring, and locals go to the mountains to gather fresh wild vegetables, enjoying them in meals while feeling the arrival of spring.

In festivals and events related to Keichitsu held across Japan, local specialties and traditional dishes can be enjoyed. For example, in Fukuoka, the “Keichitsu Eel Festival” is held, where eel, in season during Keichitsu, can be savored. Local chefs prepare eel using traditional cooking methods, serving it to visitors.

A Journey to Enjoy Spring Flavors

Traveling around Japan, I had the opportunity to relish spring flavors. Trying dishes made with fresh ingredients at local markets and restaurants in various places is a great way to understand Japanese food culture and feel the transition of the seasons.

To feel the arrival of spring, I recommend researching the specialty products and signature dishes of the places you plan to visit and tasting them there. Enjoying the season through food is one way to fully appreciate the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and is one of the joys of traveling. During Keichitsu, enjoy Japanese food culture while feeling the arrival of spring.

Conclusion and Reflections

So, I have shared about Keichitsu, one of the forty solar terms, while traveling across Japan, discussing its customs, meaning, features, and contemporary practices in various regions. Keichitsu, the voice of nature announcing the arrival of spring, offers an excellent opportunity to feel the beauty and culture of each Japanese season.

Reflecting on the meaning and history of Keichitsu, it symbolizes the awakening of life in nature and has been cherished in agriculture and daily life since ancient times. Even today, customs of celebrating Keichitsu in various regions are passed down, tied to local culture.

Through travels exploring regional characteristics, nature’s differences, ways Keichitsu is incorporated, and experiencing spring tastes and food culture, I could feel Japan’s diversity and beauty. The Japanese culture of harmonizing with nature and valuing seasonal transitions offers different landscapes and tastes in each visited place.

For me, this journey was a wonderful experience, deeply impressing me with the beauty and culture of each Japanese season. Through Keichitsu, touching upon Japan’s nature, people’s relationships, food culture, and traditional culture is one of the charms of traveling across Japan. I encourage everyone to visit various parts of Japan during Keichitsu, enjoy a wonderful journey while feeling the arrival of spring.

Kasumi’s Points

Okayama Prefecture – Early Spring Mountain Vegetable Picking

Kasumi’s Point: In Okayama Prefecture, mountain vegetable picking is a popular activity during Keichitsu. These vegetables are essential to the taste of spring, and with the arrival of Keichitsu, fresh mountain vegetables are harvested in the mountains. Locals enjoy the tradition of going to the mountains to pick these delicious vegetables, celebrating the arrival of spring.

Fukuoka Prefecture – Keichitsu Eel Festival

Kasumi’s Point: Fukuoka Prefecture hosts the “Keichitsu Eel Festival.” Eels, being in season during Keichitsu, are celebrated, and local chefs cook them using traditional methods. The festival is a lively event where both locals and tourists enjoy the regional specialty.

Kyoto Prefecture – Traditional Ceremonies and Shrine Visits

Kasumi’s Point: In Kyoto Prefecture, traditional ceremonies are held during Keichitsu. Many ceremonies are uniquely elegant, celebrating the arrival of spring in the ancient capital. Kyoto, with its many historical temples and shrines, offers a chance to experience Japanese traditional and religious culture through visits during Keichitsu.

Shizuoka Prefecture – Keichitsu Festival and Local Shrines

Kasumi’s Point: In Shizuoka Prefecture, special festivals are held at local shrines during Keichitsu. These traditional ceremonies pray for safety and a bountiful season. Visitors can enjoy the landscapes and the atmosphere of the shrines in Shizuoka, touching upon Japanese traditional culture.

Hokkaido – Melting Snow and Nature’s Revival

Kasumi’s Point: In Hokkaido, the arrival of Keichitsu marks the moment when the long winter is over, and the land is filled with life. Melting snow flows into rivers, and wildlife begins to stir. This natural transformation allows visitors to enjoy Hokkaido’s beautiful natural environment and the changes of the seasons.

These regional characteristics provide excellent opportunities to experience Japan’s rich traditional culture and the beauty of its four seasons. Visit these regions during Keichitsu to enjoy a wonderful journey through Japan’s diversity.