The 24 solar terms (nijūshi sekki)
Last updated:
2026
2027
Method
Solar terms are the moments the Sun’s apparent ecliptic longitude reaches multiples of 15°, computed with Skyfield and the JPL DE421 ephemeris and given in Japan Standard Time. Old-calendar months begin on the JST date of each new moon; the month containing the winter solstice is month 11, and in a year with 13 months the first month without a principal term is the leap month. Rokuyō follow (month + day) of the old calendar; day signs follow the 60-day cycle. Seasonal days use the conventional definitions (e.g. setsubun = the day before risshun, hachijū-hachiya = the 88th day counting risshun as day 1). Dates were cross-checked against the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan’s published calendar.
About this page
Dates and times of the 24 solar terms in Japan time, defined by the Sun’s apparent ecliptic longitude.