Microseasons: A Slow-Living Guide to the Year Following the Traditional Japanese Calendar

by Tiffany Francis-Baker, Tamae Mizukami (illustrator)

Slow down, feel present and live in harmony with nature’s rhythms by discovering the 72 Japanese microseasons.

Inspired by the traditional Japanese calendar, the 72 microseasons help redirect our attention to the natural world. Learn to observe when the white dew shimmers on the grass or the thunder rumbles far away, and to appreciate when springs once frozen flow once more or sparrows begin building their nests. Notice when plums ripen, turning yellow and use the opportunity to savor the sweetness of the season. Each lasting just five to six days, these microseasons are an opportunity to look outside of ourselves, focus on the here and now.

Tiffany Francis-Baker introduces this beautiful and poetic ancient calendar explaining what each microseason represents through words, practical tips, and gorgeous illustrations by artist Tamae Mizukami. With simple ideas for how to embrace slow living and the Japanese philosophy that every day can be a chance to make positive, seasonally minded changes.?The perfect gift for those seeking to slow down, plant moms, Japanophiles and fans of all things kawaii.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Japan, Mental Health, Cozy

160 pages, Hardcover

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cheesy at times, but if you at least pretend to be open to it, there are a lot of inspirational moments and activities that can pique your interest

[Kelly Ambrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish it was more informational, instead it was repetitive and heavy on very rudimentary self-care. Would have liked to learn more about the actual micro-seasons.

[Cliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very pleasant balm of self-care and mindsets that align with bits of the seasons. very pretty illustrations. promotes a oneness with nature that folks really could benefit from. my only desire from the book was if it had the actual japanese characters for the names of each microseason, i had to pull them up on my phone while reading because i was curious. the book isn't unearthing the history of each or anything like that, just a simple description. but still would have liked the original characters.

[Fred Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this lovely little book. It's like the Inuit who have many words for snow. If you're immersed in the world you notice these smaller differences. Microseasons are about 6 or 7 days in length it seems, there are 72 in a year. The cherry blossoms are a good example, that would be comparable to crab apple trees here which have lovely blossoms but they only last about a week before the wind or the rain takes them. Growing up on a farm I remember certain things that happened during seasons that were very symbolic and marked the passing of time. The big flocks of snow geese going up north or back south. The first trickle of water from the melting snow banks. This is more of a book to leave in your sunroom and look at as the year goes by. Some of the seasons are illustrated and some have simple self-care exercises which you can take or leave. To me, the book is about the observations.

[Marilyn]

Not at PLS or Metro - try again in the fall of 2025

[Emily Thirion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely. Probably best to begin reading in the spring as you can meditate on each micro-climate as it naturally occurs.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little book to help you experience many little seasons in a multi-faceted way. Set in Japan.