Fall is Here [A]
Autumn is often seen as a season of balance and reflection, and in both Japan and the United States it comes with meaningful holidays. The cool weather, colorful trees, and harvest foods create a time when people celebrate family, history, and tradition.
In Japan, Shūbun no Hi (Autumn Equinox Day) takes place around September 23rd. On this day, the hours of daylight and nighttime are almost equal, symbolizing harmony in nature. Families use the occasion to honor their ancestors by visiting cemeteries, cleaning the graves, and offering flowers, incense, or food. The holiday is part of Higan, a Buddhist tradition lasting a week, when people reflect on the impermanence of life and the importance of family ties. Seasonal foods, like chestnuts, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, are enjoyed, making the celebration feel connected to nature and the harvest.
In the United States, fall brings both cultural and historical celebrations. Halloween, on October 31st, has ancient Celtic roots as a harvest festival but is now known for costumes, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses. Children dress as superheroes, witches, or cartoon characters, while adults often attend costume parties. In recent years, Halloween has also grown in popularity in Japan, where large cities host parades and street events with creative costumes.
Thanksgiving, held on the fourth Thursday of November, is perhaps the most iconic American fall holiday. It commemorates a feast shared between Native Americans and Pilgrims in the early 1600s, though today its meaning is more symbolic than historical. Families and friends come together to share a large meal, usually with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pumpkin pie. More than the food, the holiday emphasizes gratitude, reflection, and unity. For many Americans, Thanksgiving weekend also marks the start of the Christmas season, with parades and shopping events like “Black Friday.”
Together, these fall holidays in Japan and the U.S. show how culture, history, and seasonal change shape traditions. They remind people to slow down, connect with family, and appreciate both the past and the present.
Vocabulary Practice:
Equinox – when day and night are the same length
Ancestor – family members from past generations
Impermanence – the idea that nothing lasts forever
Commemorate – to honor or remember an event
Gratitude – the feeling of being thankful
Harvest – the time when crops are collected
Unity – being together or joined as one
Comprehension Questions:
What religious tradition is connected to Shūbun no Hi in Japan?
How has Halloween changed from its Celtic origins?
What foods are usually served at a Thanksgiving meal?
What values do these holidays encourage in both countries?
Suggested Reading:
“Cultural Comparisons: Holidays in Japan and the United States” (intermediate/advanced learners)
