Autumn has been arriving later and later in Japan in recent years. But according to the calendar, the season begins next Tuesday with the Autumn Equinox (秋分の日 しゅうぶんのひ shuubun no hi).
In Japan, autumn isn’t just about the weather. People often describe it with the phrase 「〇〇の秋」, （〇〇のあき 〇〇 no aki）meaning “Autumn is the season for ___.”
食欲の秋 (しょくよくのあき shokuyoku no aki)
Autumn, the season of appetite
Autumn is harvest time for rice, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and fruits like grapes and pears. This idea is also reflected in 季節限定 (きせつげんてい kisetsu gentei, seasonal limited edition) foods. Every autumn, McDonald’s releases its Tsukimi Burger with an egg representing the moon, and Starbucks is currently offering special drinks such as the Pear Melty Caramel Frappuccino.
読書の秋 (どくしょのあき dokusho no aki)
Autumn, the season of reading
Autumn in Japan is traditionally called “the season of reading.” People used to say the cooler weather and longer nights made it easier to enjoy books. Today, even though autumn often still feels hot, the phrase remains, and events like 読書週間 (どくしょしゅうかん dokusho shuukan, Reading Week, Oct 27 - Nov 9) continue to encourage people to read.
スポーツの秋 (スポーツのあき supootsu no aki)
Autumn, the season of sports
This phrase became popular in 1964, when the Tokyo Olympics opened on October 10, a date chosen because it was said to have the best chance of clear skies. That day later became a national holiday called 体育の日 (たいいくのひ taiiku no hi, Health and Sports Day), now known as スポーツの日 (スポーツのひ supootsu no hi, Sports Day) to encourage not only the educational aspects, but also the idea that everyone enjoys sports together.
What is your 秋？🍁
In Japan, autumn can be about appetite, reading, or sports. But how about making it 日本語の秋（にほんごのあき nihongo no aki, Autumn, the season of Japanese）?
At Nihongo Picnic, we offer private and group lessons that make learning Japanese enjoyable and rewarding. If you’d like to start your own 日本語の秋, please get in touch with us here!
JLPT courses have just started this month!
Students are already working hard on their homework and actively joining the classes. Spots are still available in some classes, so it’s not too late to join! Please contact us to apply now! For details about the courses, please visit our website.
