Autumn in Japan: The Season for Art, Sports, Reading, and Appetite

When autumn arrives in Japan, the air in most regions turns crisp, the leaves begin to change color, and the sky becomes clear with high, distant clouds — a phenomenon the Japanese describe as “the sky is high” (空が高い). It is also a season closely associated with art, sports, reading, and delicious food.

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"Geijutsu no Aki" (芸術の秋) — Autumn for Art

The phrase “Geijutsu no Aki” (芸術の秋), or “Autumn for Art,” is said to have become popular thanks to a literary magazine. It is believed to have originated from a reference to “Bijutsu no Aki” (美術の秋), or “Autumn for Fine Arts,” which appeared in the magazine Shincho in 1918.

In addition, many major art exhibitions are held in Japan during the autumn season — such as the Nika Exhibition, the Japan Fine Arts Exhibition (Nitten), and the Inten Exhibition — all of which are among Japan’s most prestigious art events.

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"Supōtsu no Aki" (スポーツの秋) — Autumn for Sports

The phrase “Supōtsu no Aki” (スポーツの秋), or “Autumn for Sports,” is said to have originated from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The opening ceremony was held on October 10 — a day known for its clear skies.

In 1966, to commemorate the Tokyo Olympics, October 10 was designated as “Taiiku no Hi” (体育の日), or “Health and Sports Day,” encouraging people “to enjoy sports and cultivate a healthy mind and body.”

In 2020, the holiday’s name was changed to “Supōtsu no Hi” (スポーツの日), now celebrated on the second Monday of October.

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"Dokusho no Aki" (読書の秋) — Autumn for Reading

The idea behind “Autumn for Reading” is said to come from an ancient Chinese poem “Fu Dushu Chengnan Shi” (符読書城南詩) written by the Tang dynasty poet Han Yu (韓愈). One verse reads: “Autumn has come, the long rains have cleared, and cool air reaches the hills. At last, one can sit close to the evening lamp and open a book.”

From this, the idea took root that the cool, quiet nights of autumn are perfect for reading.

In Japan, the concept became popular after the famous novelist Natsume Soseki quoted this poem in his 1908 novel Sanshiro, helping to spread the phrase “Dokusho no Aki.”

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"Shokuyoku no Aki" (食欲の秋) — Autumn for Appetite

“Shokuyoku no Aki” (食欲の秋), or “Autumn for Appetite,” is said to have originated from the idea that one’s appetite returns with the cooler weather after the heat of summer. Autumn is also the harvest season, when rice, fruits, chestnuts, and mushrooms are at their best — making it the perfect time to enjoy delicious food.

Another theory links the phrase to an old Chinese saying from the Tang dynasty: “The sky is high and the horses grow fat in autumn” (天高く馬肥ゆる秋).

The phrase described a time of clear skies and abundant food, symbolizing a season of richness and nourishment — an idea that likely inspired Japan’s “Autumn for Appetite.”

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