The emergence of the praying mantis marks an early summer transition. Tiny hatchlings, newly released from their protective eggs, hop onto the surrounding grasses. Kamakiri is one of the few insects widely recognized across Japan as a beneficial presence in the field.

This microseason marks the Autumn of Wheat. Golden fields flood the Japanese countryside. Stalks heavy with ripe grain sway in the breeze. Whilst early June, “Autumn” is leveraged to express that wheat has fully matured and harvest season is upon us.

Vibrant orange-red benibana flourish across Japan​ this time of year. Benibana is deeply rooted in Japan’s traditional dyeing culture​, creating a spectrum of reds. ​T​he valuable benibana dye ​was once essential in​ the textile arts and courtly garments, as well as an aromatic oil used in traditional medicines and cuisine. Without benibana, ​kimono, hair accessories, and lip coloring ​would lack their distinctive hues.

This late May microseason marks the moment when silkworms awaken and begin to feed on fresh mulberry leaves. This is not merely a biological observation but a cultural marker, announcing the beginning of Japan’s traditional sericulture, the cultivation of silkworms and the production of raw silk. 

Young bamboo spears push through the earth during this microseason. With their tensile strength, rapid growth, and elegant verticality, bamboo has long played a foundational role in Japanese life, not only for its aesthetic appeal but for its enduring utility across architecture, craft, cuisine, and ritual.

​Earthworms hatch during this microseason, and come into full activity by ​m​id Summer. A small but profound signal of the earth’s awakening​. ​Like in many cultures around the world, earthworms ​a​re referred to as "nature’s plough". ​They turn and aerate the soil through their constant burrowing, enriching the earth as they go. ​