What is Risshun -- The First Day of Spring?

Risshun -- The First Day of Spring is an annual observance in Japan, held every year on February 4. What Is Risshun? Around February 4th is "Risshun" in Japan, one of the twenty-four solar terms that marks the beginning

When is Risshun -- The First Day of Spring?

Risshun -- The First Day of Spring is observed every year on February 4.

What other anniversaries fall on February 4?

February 4 is also "Puyo Day (Puyo no Hi)", "West Day (Nishi no Hi)", "The Beatles Day". See the February 4 page for details.

February 4

Risshun -- The First Day of Spring

Seasonal Events

What Is Risshun?

Around February 4th is "Risshun" in Japan, one of the twenty-four solar terms that marks the beginning of spring according to the traditional calendar. It falls on the day the sun's ecliptic longitude reaches 315 degrees, which lands around February 4th in most years.

A Special Turning Point That Announces "the Start of Spring"

Risshun is more than a simple seasonal marker -- it holds special meaning within Japan's traditional calendar and culture.

Its place among the solar terms: the first of the twenty-four solar terms that divide the year, marking the point from which spring, summer, autumn, and winter are said to follow in turn
Its relationship to Setsubun: Setsubun, the day before Risshun, has long been observed as a ritual to drive away the previous year's misfortune and welcome the new season
Its meaning on the calendar: even though the actual weather remains cold, the calendar treats this day as the boundary marking the start of "spring"

The "Risshun Daikichi" Charm

At Zen temples, there's a custom of pasting a paper reading "Risshun Daikichi" ("Great Fortune at the Start of Spring") on the gate on this day. The four characters are symmetrical, so they read the same way even viewed from behind -- meaning a demon that entered the gate would, upon looking back, see the same characters and mistakenly believe it hadn't entered yet, turning around and leaving. The charm is said to carry a wish to ward off misfortune.

Tips for Marking This Day

Learn about "Risshun Daikichi" talismans and charms, and consider bringing one into your home
Look into calendar terms tied to Risshun, such as "Hachijuhachiya," the 88th day counted from this date
Bring seasonal ingredients or flowers that evoke the arrival of spring into your daily life
Explore the other turning points among the twenty-four solar terms

Even Amid the Cold, Spring Has Already Begun

Even as Risshun arrives, the real cold of winter lingers on. And yet, on the calendar, spring has undeniably started to stir from this very day. Let February 4th be a chance to search for the faintest hint of spring, even in the depths of the cold.