“Risshun” marks the beginning of the 24 seasonal divisions and occurs when the sun’s longitude reaches 315 degrees, typically around February 4 on the solar calendar. It represents the midpoint between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. Though the air remains cold enough to still feel like winter, the gradually lengthening days hint at the coming of spring. Risshun is closely tied to Setsubun, which falls on the day before and symbolizes the transition between seasons.