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1 October 2026
Japan is often introduced through its great cities, bullet trains and ancient temples.
But perhaps one of the simplest ways to understand the country is to notice how closely people pay attention to the changing seasons.
When autumn arrives, the landscape begins to change quietly. The green of summer gives way to shades of red, orange and gold. Markets fill with seasonal food. Families and friends make time to enjoy the cooler air.
There is also an old Japanese tradition called tsukimi, or moon viewing.
It is associated with the autumn full moon and the harvest season. People gather to appreciate the moon, often offering rice dumplings and seasonal produce as a gesture of gratitude. (gov-online.go.jp)
What I find beautiful about the tradition is its simplicity.
There is no need for a grand celebration.
You simply look up.
The moon has always been there, of course. But perhaps we see it differently when somebody tells us that this particular moon is worth noticing.
Modern life moves quickly everywhere.
Japan, despite being one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries, has retained many such reminders to pause and notice the season.
Perhaps that is a lesson worth carrying beyond Japan.
Not everything beautiful needs to be possessed.
Some things are meant simply to be noticed.
#Japan #AutumnInJapan #Tsukimi #RajatChandraSarmah
Rajat Chandra Sarmah, Guwahati, Assam, India, Instagram @rajatchandrasarmah, YouTube: conversewithasmile, email rajatchandrasarmah@gmail.com
