Shōsetsu 小雪　しょうせつ

Shōsetsu is the time of year between November 22nd and December 6th according to the traditional Chinese calendar. It was also the time when snows were first expected to fall.

What and When is Shōsetsu (小雪　しょうせつ)?
Shosetsu occures from November 23rd (November 22nd in 2024) to December 6th and means “little snowfall”. It is the second solar term or begins on the fifteenth day after the biginning of winter according the Chinese lunar calendar. The tilt of the Japan in relation to the sun is at 240 degrees.

It’s about time for the news of snow to arrive from the north, but winter hasn’t officially arrived yet. It was called light snow because it wasn’t that much snow.

This is the time when the sunlight becomes weaker and the autumn leaves begin to fall, and the ginkgo and citrus fruits turn yellow.
It’s getting colder and colder, so be prepared for winter. It can also be used as a guide for preparing for year-end gifts.

*It is pronounced “Shosetsu” instead of “Koyuki”. Definitely.

Weather “light snow”

In the Japan Meteorological Agency’s forecast terminology, “light snow” refers to snow that continues to fall for several hours, but with less than 1 mm of precipitation per hour.
*If the expression “koyuki” is not appropriate in northern Japan or the regions along the Sea of Japan, the expression “yuki” is used.