Kaminari, thunder, is a homonym for the roar of the gods. With Spring thunder the mountain god descends to watch over rice fields, ensuring a bountiful harvest. We say that “a year with many thunderstorms will be a year of abundant harvest.” Depicted as an ogre spirit striking drums that he carries on his back to produce thunder, Raijin, the thunder god is a classic figure in Japanese mythology.

As the Spring Equinox passes and the days become ever so slightly longer, the the cherry tree’s petals begin to unfold, and hanami season begins. An often overnight shift that signals that we are properly mid-Spring. In this liminal space between cold and warmth, we navigate our collective anticipation. The Japan Meteorological Agency marks sakura season when five or six blossoms appear on a designated tree.

Extremely resourceful birds, sparrows leverage the nearest available materials to build the nest to nurture their young fledgling. These sparrow nests also serves a incredible hints as to how we can create better sustainable homes.

Caterpillars that have endured the Winter months, emerge as butterflies this time of year. It’s a charming season when flora of all sorts are dressed in the fluttering of butterflies.

During this season peach buds flower. The second of the trifecta of Spring tree flowers that are celebrated this time of year. In the Japan of yesteryear, “smiling” referred to “blossoming”, which is why the term is used to communicate this microseason.

The term "insect” or “mushi” did not always refer to bugs alone, but small hibernating creatures of all types like reptiles and amphibians which include snakes, lizards, and frogs that are dormant through Winter. Still drowsy from their deep slumber of nearly six months, critters begin to crawl out from within the earth again.

As flora of all sorts drink in the moisture from soil and air, the increase of water-based nutrients give way to budding. Under the gentle sunlight of Spring, lime-green buds begin to appear on the ground and along tree branches. The life energy stored over Winter starts to manifest.

Harugasumi, Spring haze, drapes itself across the landscape, causing distant mountains and scenery to appear faint and blurred, orchestrating an ethereal atmosphere. There are a multitude of variations to the word kasumi, each illustrating a slightly different nuance, offering precise imagery or feeling to prose.

Whilst this period often coincides with the peak of accumulated snowfall, it is also seen as a turning point when the temperatures begin to rise. The harsh cold gradually eases, snowfall turns into rain, and the deep layers of snow and ice in the mountains melt. This is the season of Haru-ichiban, the first Spring winds, further nudging the thaw.

Slowly but surely the ice begins to crack, and and ever so faintly we can observe fish moving beneath the frozen surface. During Winter, fish hibernate toward the floor of rivers and lakes, and remain quiet across these months. But as the water warms and the position of the daytime sun begins to rise a bit higher, the surface of waterways glisten with these rays and the activity below becomes clearer.

In Japan, when the word uguisu or nightingales (now most commonly known as Japanese bush warblers) are mentioned, two colors come to mind: uguisu and umé. Essentially, the soft green and pink tones that mirror nighingales and the plum blossoms that cuddle them. The motif of plum blossoms and nightingales has often been featured in poetry and paintings as a symbol of Spring.

It’s the dawn of a new year. “Spring Winds Melt Ice” marks the beginning of Spring. It’s the first microseason of the year, and the first of the trio of microseasons within the subseason Risshun, or First of Spring. Risshun isn’t just about a date in the calendar, it’s a symbolic transition that connects seasonal changes, spiritual beliefs, and cultural traditions.

This year, 3rd February marks the First of Spring, and ahead of that day, we celebrate Setsubun. Essentially it’s the Eve of the New Year. Perhaps not surprisingly, key materials of this celebration are rice and soy beans.

When the rivers and lakes freeze over, it’s sign of wakasagi smelt season. Drilling holes to access the small fish beneath the ice. Often only about 15cm in length. Most commonly, wakasagi is simply prepared grilled or lightly deep fried, and can be eaten whole. As such it serves as an important source of calcium through the deep Winter months, particularly in areas such as Hokkaido, Nagano, and Yamanashi.

Called Hatsukashogatsu, historically, New Years celebrations completed on the 20th January. Which means finishing all of the festive food and drink of the season and beginning annual work on this day. Butterbur is one of our great inklings of Spring, and just the medicine we need to get back to work.

Pheasants are native to Japan, and a commonly seen character in folklore and children's songs. The female pheasant is generally modest in appearance. While males flash a vibrant red coloring around their eyes, and ornate colorful feathers.

Ebisu is one the the Seven Lucky Gods. Most commonly found holding a fishing pole in his right hand and Sea Bream fish in his left hand, Ebisu is the god of business prosperity.

Happy new year! We have entered the coldest month and arguably one of the most important periods. Kanjikomi, or literally “cold preparation”, refers to the prep work of our fermented foods during these very cold days each year. And these foods ensure that we have a nutrient-dense and plentiful table.

Even during this time of year when snow falls more densely in the mountains, and as a whole the world quiets, there is always energy of rebirth and new beginnings. Traditionally, 30th December is called Kotsugomori (Small Moon Hides) and 31st December is Ohtsugomori (Big Moon Hides). According to the Solar Calendar, the new moon always falls on the last day of every month.

Man in the moon. In some parts of the world. Across Asia, a hare is a commonly seen motif. And in Japan, what we see is that hare making mochi. That is how much mochi rice is valued in Japanese living. We even see it in the skies above.