1.
early summer, the beginning of summer
The period at the start of summer, typically May to early June in Japan, when the weather begins to warm noticeably.
Compound of 初 (first, beginning) + 夏 (summer). Refers to roughly May through early June in the Japanese calendar.
Common collocations
- 初夏の候 (the early summer season — seasonal greeting)
- 初夏の日差し (early summer sunlight)
- 初夏の風 (early summer breeze)
- 初夏を思わせる陽気 (weather reminiscent of early summer)
Seasonal context
In Japan, 初夏 falls before the rainy season (梅雨), making it one of the most comfortable times of year. It is often associated with 新緑 (fresh green leaves) and clear skies. The expression 初夏の候 is used in formal letters as a seasonal greeting.