二十四節気 「大雪」 Nijuushi-sekki 'Taisetsu'

When referring to the lyrics of Fujifabric, it is probably a good idea to have a glimpse of distinctive four seasons, the delicate weather, and the beauties of nature in Japan to be able to enjoy them at the full extent. For my dear friends living abroad, I am going to write trial posts over the coming year to introduce 24 solar terms  (二十四節気　nijuu-shi sekki) which mark weather cycles and seasonal events in Japan and other East Asian countries.

Nijuu-shi Sekki (二十四節気）
Nijuu-shi Sekki divides a year into 24 parts according to the position of the sun in an ecliptic plane. Although this method originated in China, it is still widely used in the rest of East Asian countries such as Japan. It adjusts the difference between the luni-solar calendars and actual seasonal and weather cycle.

Taisetsu （大雪）
Taisetsu (literally means 'major snow') starts today, 7th December 2018, and ends on 21st December. As the top of the high mountains are covered with snow by now, this time of the year is called 'major snow'. General Winter hits Japan from north to south, and preparation of the New Year starts. Kogarashi (木枯らし), Kitagaze (北風), Mogaribue (虎落笛), Reppu (烈風), Oroshi (颪), Shimaki (風巻), Fubuki (吹雪) - all these words are used to describe 'the strong wind in winter'. In Kanto region, winter is marked with bright sunshine, dry air and strong wind blowing from the north.

Today's weather in Fujiyoshida City
more clouds than sun, milder
top temperature 12℃
lowest temperature -1℃

The evening chime at 5pm in Fujiyoshida City is changed to Fujifabric's music, 'Akaneiro no Yuhi'  between 21- 27th December 2018 remembering Masahiko Shimura's 9th anniversary of his death. The details can be found in here;The Evening Chime at 5pm in Fujiyoshida City changed to Fujifabric's music 21-27th December 2018

Today's Fujifabric song is 'Kurofuku no Hito' ('A Man in The Black Suits'). This is another beautiful winter song of Shimura Masahiko.