In Japan, each month has a traditional name that has been passed down through generations.
October is traditionally known as Kannazuki (神無月).
There is an old story behind this name. According to Japanese tradition, during the tenth month of the old lunar calendar, deities from across Japan gather in Izumo, in what is now Shimane Prefecture.
For this reason, October is known as Kannazuki in many parts of Japan, while in the Izumo region it is traditionally called Kamiarizuki (神在月) — “the month when the gods are present.”
It is a beautiful example of how the traditional Japanese calendar is connected not only to dates, but also to stories, nature, and culture.
October — A Season of Deepening Autumn
October is one of the most beautiful times of year in Japan.
The intense heat of summer gradually fades, the air becomes cooler, the days grow shorter, and the leaves slowly begin to change color.
In the traditional Japanese calendar, October includes seasonal markers such as Kanro (寒露) and Sōkō (霜降).
Kanro refers to “cold dew,” while Sōkō marks the time when frost begins to appear.
These poetic expressions show how closely people in Japan have observed even the smallest changes in nature throughout history.
And this delicate awareness of the seasons can also be found in kimono.
Wearing the Seasons
Kimono are more than traditional Japanese clothing.
Through their colors and patterns, they can express the changing seasons.
For example, autumn kimono may feature motifs such as:
- Maple leaves (momiji / kaede) — One of the best-known symbols of autumn in Japan.
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Chrysanthemums (kiku) — Elegant autumn flowers with deep connections to Japanese culture.
Susuki grass — A graceful motif that evokes autumn fields and the moon. - Grapes and vines — Motifs that suggest the abundance of the autumn harvest.
Autumn also brings its own beautiful palette to kimono. Deep red, persimmon orange, mustard yellow, brown, dark green, and rich purple are just some of the colors that beautifully reflect the depth and warmth of the season.
However, seasonal fashion in Japan is not simply about wearing a motif when the flower or plant it represents is at its peak.
There is also a long-standing aesthetic tradition of anticipating the season — enjoying a flower or plant as a kimono motif shortly before it reaches its peak in nature.
This subtle sense of looking slightly ahead to the coming season is another fascinating aspect of Japanese aesthetics.
Kimono as “A Calendar You Can Wear”
Before smartphones and calendars hanging on the wall, people lived much closer to the changing rhythms of the seasons.
Flowers, insects, plants, the moon, rain, and snow — these changes in nature helped people feel the passage of time.
Kimono reflect this way of seeing the natural world.
A maple-leaf pattern can evoke the arrival of autumn.
Plum blossoms can suggest that spring is approaching.
Snowflakes can bring to mind the quiet beauty of winter.
Seen this way, perhaps kimono can be thought of as “a calendar you can wear.”
Discover the Four Seasons of Japan in Shibuya
At SHIBUYA TSUMUGI, we believe that kimono are not simply something from the past.
Traditional patterns can take on new life when combined with contemporary fashion, allowing kimono to be worn freely and creatively in modern-day Tokyo.
Shibuya is a city that is constantly changing.
Kimono, on the other hand, carry traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Bringing these two worlds together is one of the things we hope to share.
If you visit Japan in October, take a closer look at the colors and patterns of kimono.
You may discover a small story hidden within them — a story that speaks of the season.
Wear the season.
Discover a story.
Experience Japan through kimono.
Why not discover your own Japan at SHIBUYA TSUMUGI?
We look forward to welcoming you in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo.