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What Is Chūshū no Meigetsu?

Chūshū no Meigetsu (中秋の名月), meaning “the famous moon of mid-autumn,” is the traditional Japanese celebration of the moon seen on the fifteenth night of the eighth month of the old lunar calendar. It is also commonly called Jūgoya (十五夜), or “the fifteenth night.”

 

The custom of admiring the autumn moon was introduced to Japan from China during the Heian period. In Japan, it later became connected with agriculture and gratitude for the autumn harvest. People traditionally display susuki, or Japanese pampas grass, and offer round rice dumplings called tsukimi dango while enjoying the moon.

 

In 2026, Chūshū no Meigetsu falls on Friday, September 25.

 

An interesting feature this year is that the Mid-Autumn Moon and the astronomical full moon do not occur on the same day. The actual full moon will be on September 27, two days later. Although the Mid-Autumn Moon is often assumed to be a full moon, the dates do not always coincide because the traditional calendar and the moon’s precise orbit are calculated differently.

 

A two-day difference is relatively unusual. The last time this happened was in 2017, and the next time will be in 2043.

 

So, on September 25, take a moment to look up and enjoy one of Japan’s most beautiful seasonal traditions.