The Nipponese Year
The following provides a guideline to the seasons and weather of Nippon.
Sample temperatures and rainfall amounts given approximate conditions
prevailing across most of Honshu island. Temperatures are generally warmer in
the south (Kyushu rarely seeing sub-freezing weather) and colder in the
north (Ezo experiences freezing temperatures well into spring and early in
fall).
Except in winter the north is generally drier than the rest of Nippon,
especially the very humid Pacific coast regions. More snow is seen in the
north and along the Japan Sea coast. Precipitation is generally longer and
heavier in the rainy seasons. Note that Nipponese seasons area of unequal
length.
Cycle of Years
Nipponese measure the passing of years in two different ways. First, years
are grouped into nengo, or eras. A new nengo begins when a new emperor is
enthroned or at imperial decree to mark an event of great significance.
Second, the years follow a cycle of twelve, with each year named after the
animals of the zodiac. The 12-year cycle is part of a 60-year cycle. The
12-year cycles go through each of the five elements (fire, water, air, earth,
and void) to complete a 60-year cycle.
Cycle of Hours
Nipponese days are divided into twelve equal intervals called toki or
"hours." Like years, toki are named after the animals of the zodiac. Each
toki was divided equally in two, thus creating the "greater" and "lesser"
hours of a given animal.
Animals of the Zodiac
| animal | start of toki | animal |
start of toki |
|
| Rat | 11 pm | Horse | 11 am |
| Ox | 1 am | Goat | 1 pm |
| Tiger | 3 am | Monkey | 3 pm |
| Hare | 5 am | Rooster | 5 pm |
| Dragon | 7 am | Dog | 7 pm |
| Serpent | 9 am | Boar | 9 pm |
