The koyomi for today, April 29, 2025, reveals that it is a Tuesday marked by the old lunar calendar date of April 2. This day is noted as Daian, a day considered auspicious in the traditional Japanese calendar. Under the zodiac sign of Tsuchinoe Tatsu, the twelve direction is also Tatsu, indicating a strong connection to this particular day. The tide is categorized as Otio, suggesting a significant tidal movement, while the moon age at noon is recorded at 1.3, with a moon phase of 1.5.
Looking ahead, tomorrow, April 30, 2025, will be celebrated as Akaguchi day, corresponding to Tsuchinoto Mi. The tide will remain Otio, with the moon age increasing to 2.3 and the moon phase reaching 2.5. In Tokyo, the moon will rise at 6:13 AM and set at 21:42 PM, providing an excellent opportunity for moon watchers to enjoy the celestial display.
As we move into May, the koyomi continues to offer insights into the lunar calendar. On May 1, 2025, the date will be Kanoto Uma, Sanrinbou, and Hachijuhachiya, with the tide shifting to Chuo. The moon age will be 3.3, and the moon phase will be 3.6. For those in Tokyo, the moon will rise at 7:10 AM and set at 22:48 PM, perfect for evening strolls under the moonlight.
May 2, 2025, will see Kanoto Hitsuji and Chuo tide, with the moon age at 4.3 and a moon phase of 4.6. The moon will rise at 8:15 AM and set at 23:43 PM, offering another chance for night sky enthusiasts to gaze at the heavens.
On May 3, 2025, Japan will celebrate Constitution Memorial Day. This day will bear the designation of Mizunoe Saru and Chuo tide, with a moon age of 5.3 and a moon phase of 5.6. The moon will rise at 9:23 AM, allowing for a beautiful morning view.
May 4, 2025, is Greenery Day, corresponding to Mizunoto Tori and Kobio tide. The moon age will be 6.3, and the moon phase will be 6.6, marking it as an upper string (half moon) day. The moon will rise at 10:31 AM and set at 0:27 AM the following day, giving residents a chance to enjoy the moon well into the night.
May 5, 2025, is Children's Day, designated as Kinoe Inu and Kobio tide. The moon age will be 7.3, and the moon phase will be 7.5. The moon will rise at 11:36 AM and set at 1:02 AM, making it a delightful day for families to enjoy outdoor activities.
Finally, on May 6, 2025, a Substitute Holiday, the day will be marked as Kinoto I and Kobio tide. The moon age will be 8.3, and the moon phase will be 8.4. The moon will rise at 12:37 PM and set at 1:31 AM, concluding the koyomi for this period with another opportunity for stargazers to admire the night sky.
In addition to the koyomi, various cultural events are taking place across Japan. The Nakayama Jun Photography Exhibition titled 'Season (Toki) no Kokoro IX VIII' is being held until May 11, 2025, at the Hokuho Town Kamidaichi Toyokita Lifelong Learning Center. This exhibition showcases approximately 40 pieces capturing the essence of Japan's seasonal landscapes, flowers, and birds. Admission is free, and the center is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, with reduced hours on Sundays and holidays.
Meanwhile, the SAKI Original Picture Exhibition, 'Breath of a Ballpoint Pen', runs from April 2 to April 29, 2025, at the Daimaru Shimonoseki store on the 3rd floor art gallery. This exhibition features around 30 works by artist SAKI, known for her intricate ballpoint pen drawings of various creatures. This exhibition is also free to visit.
Another noteworthy event is the Color Pencil Art Takashi Hirano Animal Painting Exhibition, which is ongoing from April 19 to April 29, 2025, at the Chofu Garden Ichinokura, showcasing around 20 animal paintings created with colored pencils. The entrance fee is 210 yen for adults and 100 yen for students.
In Long City, the Planning Exhibition 'Misuzu Kaneko Sings Classical Poems' is being held from March 8 to May 13, 2025, at the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum. This exhibition highlights the works of the poet Misuzu Kaneko, showcasing poems that reference classical Japanese literature. Admission costs 500 yen for adults and is free for city residents.
The Shimonoseki City New City Birth 20th Anniversary Makoto Ozaki Original Exhibition is also ongoing until May 11, 2025, at the City General Cultural Center 'Historia Nagato'. This exhibition features original illustrations used in city reports by local illustrator Makoto Ozaki.
For those interested in traditional Japanese culture, the Carp Streamer Exhibition is running from April 26 to May 6, 2025, at the Renaissance Nagato Cultural Information Gallery. This exhibition is free to enter and highlights the colorful carp streamers traditionally flown to celebrate Children's Day.
Art enthusiasts can also visit the Special Exhibition 'Ikeda Shoen and the Nata - Dreaming Beauty Paintings', which runs from April 19 to June 1, 2025, at the Prefectural Hagi Art Museum/Uragami Memorial Museum. This exhibition features works by the popular painter Ikeda Shoen and her husband, showcasing their contributions to beauty painting in Japan.
Additionally, the Photo Exhibition x Hagi Doll Exhibition, themed around Hagi's townscape and summer oranges, is being held until May 26, 2025, at the Hagi Old Town Kaikaikoryukan. This unique exhibition combines photography with traditional Japanese dolls to depict the beauty of Hagi's nature and culture.
For those looking for outdoor activities, the 2nd Anniversary Thanksgiving Event is happening on April 29, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM around the Mt. Kasayama Summit Observatory 'Tobinote', featuring various fun activities such as a quiz rally and volcano eruption experiments.
The Shinko Sangyo Kirara Hama Nature Observation Park will host a 'Spring Festival' on the same day, featuring a mini live performance, honey sampling experience, and various guided walks. The first 100 visitors will receive free treats, making it a delightful outing for families.
Lastly, the Hitosuji no Shawn Exhibition continues until May 11, 2025, at the City Regional Exchange Center Aspirato, showcasing the beloved character from the British stop-motion animation.
With all these events lined up, residents and visitors alike have numerous opportunities to embrace the beauty of spring and the rich cultural tapestry of Japan. Whether through art, nature, or local traditions, there's something for everyone to enjoy during this vibrant season.
