Enjoy the Full Moon Festival

September is the season when the autumn sky is clear and the moon looks beautiful.
The fifteenth night of the full moon in 2025 September 29.
This is an event that has been popular among people since ancient times, and the custom of enjoying the moon continues in many households today.

【【The difference between the Full Moon and the Harvest Moon】
They are often used interchangeably, but they are actually slightly different.
Jugoya (the fifteenth night of the full moon): The night of August 15th on the lunar calendar. This refers to the events that take place on that day.
Mid-Autumn Moon: The full moon that can be seen on the fifteenth night of the lunar month. It has long been said to be the most beautiful moon of the year.
In other words,The fifteenth night of the lunar month is an event, and the harvest moon is the moon of the day. That's the image I have.

[How to enjoy the Full Moon Festival]
Decorate with Japanese pampas grass
Japanese pampas grass resembles rice ears and is used to pray for a good harvest. It also serves as a talisman to ward off evil spirits, and is displayed in preparation for welcoming the moon god.
Eat Tsukimi Dango
Round dumplings, which resemble the full moon, are offered as offerings. After the offering, the family shares them and eats them, praying for health and happiness.
Gazing at the moon
Moon viewing is not just about gazing at the moon, but also about having fun while exchanging words.

[Japanese you can learn]
Let's learn some Japanese phrases based on the theme of moon viewing.
"Moon"
"Dango"
"Susuki"
"Rabbit"
"beautiful"
"Perfectly round"
For example, while looking at the night sky, you can practice your Japanese by saying out loud, "The moon is beautiful" or "The moon is round."

The fifteenth night of the lunar month is an event where people gaze upon the moon with family and friends while giving thanks for the autumn harvest.
The special moon that can be seen on that night is called the "Mid-Autumn Moon."

This autumn, why not prepare some moon-viewing dumplings and some Japanese pampas grass and enjoy the traditional Japanese moon-viewing experience? Experience nature while learning Japanese!
Last year's articleHere we introduce in detail the origin and history of the moon viewing festival. Please take a look at this as well.