What is Keichitsu? Understanding the 24 Solar Terms/Definition and Origin of Keichitsu
Keichitsu belongs to the 24 Solar Terms created centuries ago in China and Japan. These terms guide farmers on when to plant, harvest, and prepare for seasons. The name "Keichitsu" combines two words: "rei" meaning "rise" and "chi" meaning "insect." Put together, it signals insects waking from their winter sleep. These terms were invented to track the sun's position and help people live in tune with nature.
March 6–10 蟄虫啓戸 Sugomori mushito o hiraku Hibernating insects surface
March 11–15 桃始笑 Momo hajimete saku First peach blossoms
March 16–20 菜虫化蝶 Namushi chō to naru Caterpillars become butterflies
Before the Spring Equinox we have this micro season. Insects and animals start to feel the first warmth of spring and slowly start to move around awakening from their winter slumber. It is a time of change and new life emerging. Buds start to swell and shoots start to poke through the thawing soil. Above the blossoms bloom and as the weather starts to warm people in Japan start to spend more time outside enjoying the first spring days.
Seasonal foods you can expect this season in Japan are bamboo shoots, wasabi flowers and leaves, cabbage and broccoli. I am quite excited to be getting some wasabi flowers this week from the wasabi company. They sell lots of Japanese ingredients as well as having their own wasabi farm. The link is at the bottom or down the side depending on your device.
In this micro season, March 14th is White Day in Japan. February the 14th is Valentine’s Day and on that day girls give gifts to guys. This can be friends, teachers, work colleagues, as well as that special someone. White day is the day the guys return the gifts. This can be in the form of white flowers or cookies, white chocolate or items in white wrapping. Homemade gifts are extra thoughtful. It shows people have taken the care and time to source ingredients and prepare and wrap a gift. Why not make my white day Sakura cookies or tofu yuzu donuts? The recipes are on the website.
The warmer weather in the season of Keichitsu entices hibernating insects and other small creatures to leave their underground hiding places.
Keichitsu (Insects Awaken), falls on approximately March 6 in the modern calendar. Despite its common English name, this marks the time when not only insects but also other small creatures like frogs, snakes, and lizards that have been hibernating underground start to emerge, enticed by the warmer weather. Around this period, peach trees start to bloom, caterpillars turn into butterflies, and each shower of rain invokes a sense of spring. It is also a season to set goals, and for new beginnings.
Common insects in Japan
Are insects a problem in Japan?
Japan has a vibrant population of insects considered pests, from disease-bearing cockroaches to the potentially lethal Asian giant hornet and blood-sucking mosquitoes
Peach Blossoms
Peach trees generally bloom from late March to early April, after the plum blossoms. Originally from China, these auspicious trees were soon imported to Japan, and peach kernels have been found in ruins dating from the Yayoi period (ca. 300 BC–300 AD). In the Heian period (794–1185), peach blossom decorations featured in the Hinamatsuri, or doll festival, while ornamental flowering peach trees were developed during the Edo period (1603–1868). The numerous varieties are a delight to behold, such as weeping peach trees, and Genpei hanamomo, which has red, pink and white blossoms on the same tree.https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/risshun-japan
According to Japan’s oldest book of legends and history, the eighth-century Kojiki, when the god Izanagi escaped from Yomi, the realm of the dead, he threw three peach seeds to drive away the evil spirits, whereby the peach came to be considered a lucky fruit. By displaying peach flowers during Hinamatsuri, parents pray for the health of their daughters.
Laughing Mountains
This is a kigo or season word used in settings such as haiku and the tea ceremony, deriving from how the eleventh-century Chinese poet Guo Xi described the spring mountains. They have a cheerful atmosphere when peach trees and yamazakura (mountain cherries) are in bloom.
Violets
Japan has over 100 varieties of violets, which have long been mentioned in poetry. Tachitsubo sumire (Viola grypoceras) are a familiar species, common from Hokkaidō through to Okinawa.
Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) wrote the haiku: Yamaji kite / naniyara yukashi / sumiresō (On a mountain path, / somehow enchanting— / violet flowers), expressing his surprise and wonder at the encounter with the lovely blooms.
Kinomedoki (Trees Budding)
This time of year is also called kinomedoki, which means “trees budding.” As well as being a period of fluctuations in temperature, this is also the peak of the hay fever season, with cedar and cypress shedding pollen. Tomatoes and shiso are said to be good for prevention of hay fever, while other popular hay fever remedies include aromas such as tea tree and eucalyptus.
Kinome, another way of writing “tree buds” is an alternative name for sanshō (Japanese pepper). It is perfect ground and mixed with young bamboo shoots. Sanshō is also an essential topping for kabayaki grilled eel. It is commonly used metaphorically to refer to something that, while small, is talented or effective.
Kasugasai (March 13)
Nara’s world heritage Kasugataisha Shrine has celebrated its annual festival Kasugasai in spring since 849. Because it enshrines the imperial family, the emperor sends a special envoy to pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
White Day (March 14)
Men who received chocolates from women for Valentine’s Day return the favor on March 14, known as White Day in Japan. The custom is said to have been instigated by Japanese confectionery makers.https://www.group-shinka.com/culture/valentines-day-japan
Spring Vegetables
Spring varieties of cabbage and peas appear in supermarkets at this time of year, as do new season onions, which have a distinct sweetness and are delicious in soup or as part of a salad. Such vegetables are best enjoyed while in season.
Sawara
The sawara mackerel is in season during spring, and its kanji 鰆 also combines the characters for fish and spring. It has long been considered a propitious food, and is often served at celebrations. Sawara is perfect as sashimi, broiled, stewed or in suimono clear broth. Its omega-3 fatty acids are said to improve blood flow and health in general.
Sansai (Wild Vegetables)
Wild vegetables like udo, zenmai, and warabi start to go on sale; their distinct bitterness can only be enjoyed in spring. These vegetables are served as tempura or boiled and flavored with soy sauce and sugar. In traditional medicine, they are used to improve heart function and circulation.
Risks and dangers in Japan
Japan has a beautiful and diverse environment that is over 70% mountainous, with climates ranging from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. There are over 200 volcanoes and 6,852 islands. With such diversity, it’s no surprise that there are many beautiful habitats to enjoy, but also a range of potential risks.
Are ants a problem in Japan?
Fire ants are just one of the threats to Japan's native flora and fauna. The National Institute of Environmental Studies' website lists over 1,000 invasive species of plants and animals
Natural disasters
Japan has its fair share of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and landslides. Fortunately, Japan has established robust public warning systems and evacuation procedures. Your accommodation provider should have information about natural disasters and the procedures in place on what to do in such an event. We recommend keeping up-to-date with local weather warnings or advisories from the Japan Meteorological Agency before and during your trip.
Certain parts of the country are more prone to natural disasters. The northeast is more likely to encounter earthquakes, and Okinawa, Hokkaido and Kyushuu are more prone to typhoons.
Always check the government's international travel advisory before booking any travel plans.
Japan has an earthquake early warning system. If a large earthquake is predicted, alarms are triggered. The sounds range from chimes through to air raid sirens. There are different procedures for what to do if you hear one of these warnings – depending on whether you are inside or outside a building. The Japan National Tourism Organisation has online safety tips for travellers on how to react during an earthquake.
Fukushima power plant
The Great East Japan earthquake of March 2011 and the tsunami that followed caused massive destruction across northeast Japan, even despite the sea wall defence. Since then, the cities and towns nearby have been restored to their original state and are once again busy.
However, there is still a radiation exclusion zone in place surrounding the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant, in the Fukushima Prefecture in northeast Honshuu.
Don’t travel to any areas with warnings or exclusions in place. Currently, Hiroshima and Nagasaki do not have radiation warnings in place and are safe to visit.
Position in the Seasonal Cycle
Keichitsu falls around March 5th or 6th each year, as the sun moves further north. It's after the coldest days of winter and before the full arrival of spring. It sits between Jangyu (Major Cold) and Seimei (Clear and Bright). This timing marks the start of active insect life, important for farmers readying fields.
Biological Phenomena During Keichitsu/Awakening of Insects and Responsible Factors
As the weather warms up, insects start to emerge from their hiding places. Higher temperatures and soil warmth act as triggers. Common insects seen during Keichitsu include cicadas, earthworms, and locusts. These creatures come out to search for food, mates, and new homes. Their activity is a clear sign that spring has truly arrived.
Ecological Impact of Insect Awakening
Insects play a big role in nature. They help pollinate flowers and aerate the soil, which boosts plant growth. At the same time, their increase can bring challenges. Too many insects might cause pest problems or spread disease. Farmers and ecologists watch their numbers closely to strike a balance.
Expert Insights
Entomologists agree that insect activity peaks during Keichitsu. Dr. Lee, an ecologist, explains that insects respond quickly to temperature changes. This makes Keichitsu a useful marker for studying ecological shifts. When we see more bugs around, we know spring is in full swing.
Agricultural Practices and Pest Management
Farmers have long timed their work with insect activity. They plant seeds when bugs begin to appear, knowing conditions are right. Farmers often use natural methods like crop rotation and companion planting to control pests early in the season. Irrigation choices also change as soil warms.
Today, farmers use tech to monitor insect populations. Insect traps and phenological forecasting help decide when to act. By tracking bug activity, farmers can spray pesticides more precisely or avoid unnecessary use. This approach protects crops and the environment.
Watch for increased insect sightings as a sign to start planting.
Use biological pest control, such as ladybugs, to reduce pesticide reliance.
Timing watering and fertilizing based on soil warmth and bug emergence.
Keep records of insect activity patterns to plan future planting better.
Summary
Keichitsu (啓蟄), which translates to “The Awakening of Insects,” is a traditional Japanese event celebrated around March 5th, marking the time when insects begin to stir from their winter slumber. Rooted in the lunar calendar, this period symbolizes the renewal of life and the changing of seasons. In agriculture, Keichitsu signifies the start of the farming cycle, as farmers prepare for planting and growth. Beyond its agricultural importance, the event holds cultural value, reminding people of the delicate balance between nature and human life. The awakening of insects is seen as a powerful metaphor for the return of vitality to both the natural world and human endeavors.
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