Japanese Calendar: 8月 - 葉月 (Hazuki)

August in Japan is characterized by the peak of summer heat, from north to south. The season brings unique features such as wind chimes (風鈴), fans (うちわ), flowing somen noodles (流しそうめん), mosquito coils (蚊取り線香), summer festivals (夏祭り), and fireworks displays (花火大会). These elements are iconic symbols of summer. Interestingly, in the traditional Japanese calendar, August was referred to as "Hazuki 葉月," marking the time when leaves begin to change color and fall, signifying the onset of autumn.

One of the major events in August is "Obon お盆," observed from August 13th (Mukaebi 迎え火, the beginning of Obon) to August 16th (Okuribi 送り火, the end of Obon). During Obon, it is believed that the souls of deceased loved ones and ancestors return from the afterlife (Jodo 浄土) to this world (Gense 現世). This period is known as the "Obon holiday," during which many businesses close, allowing people to visit graves or return to their hometowns to honour and remember the deceased.