夏至(げし)

The summer solstice, one of the 24 solar terms (二十四節気(にじゅうしせっき)) in the traditional East Asian calendar. It falls around June 21 each year.

Common collocations

• 夏至(げし)の日(ひ) — the day of the summer solstice
• 夏至(げし)を迎(むか)える — to reach the summer solstice
• 夏至(げし)を過(す)ぎる — to pass the summer solstice

Related words

• 冬至(とうじ) — winter solstice (opposite season)
• 春分(しゅんぶん) — vernal equinox
• 秋分(しゅうぶん) — autumnal equinox

Cultural note

Unlike the winter solstice, which has strong food traditions (冬至(とうじ) pumpkin, 柚子湯(ゆずゆ)), the summer solstice has fewer widespread customs in Japan, though some regions celebrate with specific local foods.