A seasonal sight that signals the end of summer

Although the hot weather continues for a while, September will see seasonal changes across Japan that herald the transition from summer to autumn.
As the heat gradually subsides and signs of autumn begin to appear in nature, Japanese people have long enjoyed using their five senses to experience the subtle changes in the seasons.
Here we will introduce some typical seasonal scenes that evoke the end of summer.

1. The sound of bell crickets
[Insects that herald autumn]
In late August, you can hear the chirping of autumn insects such as bell crickets and crickets at night. The clear sound of the bell crickets in particular makes you feel the arrival of autumn, and for many Japanese people, it is a seasonal feature that signals the end of summer. The sound of the bell crickets echoing in the quiet nights is a release from the hot summer days and a time to enjoy the coolness.

2. Changes in the color of the sunset
【【A sky that gives a hint of autumn】
At the end of August, the colors of the sunsets begin to change. During the summer, the colors were vibrant and strong reds and oranges, but as autumn approaches, the colors become softer and more subdued. These gentle sunsets give us a sense that the sun will set earlier and the long autumn nights will begin.

3. Moon viewing
【【Enjoy the harvest moon】
The custom of "tsukimi" (moon viewing), enjoying the harvest moon, begins from the end of August to September. The moon at this time of year has long been loved as a symbol of the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The custom of decorating with Japanese pampas grass, offering moon-viewing rice dumplings and quietly gazing at the moon is an important seasonal tradition that marks the transition from summer to autumn.

4. Scenery of ripening rice ears
【【Rural scenery transitioning into the harvest season of autumn】
At the end of summer, the rice in the fields turns golden yellow, signaling the approach of the harvest season in autumn. The sight of drooping rice ears is a symbol of the Japanese rural landscape, and many people feel the change of seasons when they see this sight. Also, when the rice harvest begins, it is a reminder that the autumn harvest season has arrived.

5. Coolness in the mornings and evenings
【【Temperature difference from daytime】
At the end of summer, the heat continues during the day, but it starts to feel cooler in the mornings and evenings. This temperature difference makes you more aware of the change in seasons. The cool breeze in the evenings and the crisp morning air make you feel that summer is coming to an end.

6. The sound of wind chimes is tranquilizing
【【The sound of longing for the end of summer】
From early to mid-summer, wind chimes create a sense of the season with their cool sounds, but at the end of August, the opportunities to hear the sound of wind chimes decrease. When the wind dies down and the chimes become quiet, it is the moment when you realize that summer is coming to an end. As the time to put away the wind chimes approaches, the feeling of nostalgia for the end of summer grows stronger.

7. Fireworks Finale
【【End of summer event】
At the end of August, many regions hold the finale of their fireworks festivals. Fireworks that light up the summer night sky are a seasonal feature that symbolizes the summer in Japan, and the finale makes you realize that summer is drawing to a close. In particular, when the last large fireworks or consecutive fireworks are launched, you can feel the end of summer and at the same time, your sense of anticipation for the new season rises.

These seasonal customs that herald the end of summer have been deeply rooted in the hearts of Japanese people since ancient times. Sensing the change of seasons brings rhythm and richness to daily life. Enjoy the subtle changes in nature with all your senses and enjoy these Japanese seasonal customs that mark the end of summer.