atelierkakko Summer is now in full swing, with the lively chorus of cicadas echoing all around. We’ve just passed the period known in the traditional Japanese calendar of the 72 micro-seasons as “Tsuchi uruōte mushi atsushi” (Soil Becomes Damp, Air Becomes Humid).
This phrase refers to the time when continuous rainfall moistens the ground, and the air becomes thick and muggy with humidity.
It perfectly captures the climate we’re experiencing right now—sweaty, heavy, and unmistakably summer. 😅
That said, even in this oppressive heat, nature is quietly beginning its transition toward autumn.
It’s hard to believe when it’s this hot, but the colors of the leaves, the sounds of insects, and the coolness of the evening breeze slowly begin to shift, hinting at the season’s edge.
Taking time to engage in calligraphy during this period can help us tune into these subtle changes.
The term “Tsuchi uruōte mushi atsushi” doesn’t just describe heat—it also contains the sense of moist soil and the weight of the air.
By being mindful of these qualities, writing characters like “湿” (moisture), “暑” (heat), and “潤” (dampness) with gentle, flowing brushstrokes can be quite enriching.
It can also be an interesting challenge to express this humidity using your own visual or emotional interpretation through brush and ink.
We are currently in the height of the Taisho (Major Heat) season in the 24 solar terms.
With temperatures soaring past 40°C (104°F), it feels like we’ve stopped being surprised and have resigned ourselves with a weary, “Oh… this again.”
This summer still seems far from over, so let’s hold ourselves together and not let the heat melt away our spirits.