Illustration for Beginning of Spring
「いっぴん七十二候」より、立春のイラストレーション
立春大福（豆大福）／Lichun Daifuku (Bean Daifuku)
ふきのとうの天ぷら／Tempura of Japanese butterbur
伊勢海老の味噌汁／Miso soup with lobster
いなり寿司／sushi wrapped in fried tofu
あおやぎと春野菜の和え物／Trough Shell with Spring Vegetables
伊予柑のオランジェット／Iyokan Orangette
バレンタインチョコレート／Valentine's Day Chocolates
小松菜と厚揚げの煮浸し／simmered komatsuna and deep-fried tofu
チキナー（辛子菜）スパムおにぎり／Chikina (spicy chikina) Spam rice balls
トンカツ／pork cutlet
高菜おにぎり／Rice ball with takana
高菜チャーハン／Fried rice with takana
めはり寿司／Rxce ball wrapped in pickled leaf mustard greens
素魚の踊り食い／Dancing and eating of the unprocessed fish
イトヨリダイのアクアパッツァ／Aqua Pazza of Itoyori Snapper
"Ippin Shichijūni-kō" – Illustration for Risshun
"Ippin Shichijūni-kō" is an illustration series that depicts seasonal foods in accordance with the traditional Japanese calendar of Shichijūni-kō (Seventy-Two Microseasons). These illustrations are created as part of the Sunday edition of Tokyo Shimbun, accompanying articles on haiku and tanka poetry.
What Are Shichijūni-kō and Nijūshi-sekki?
In the traditional Japanese calendar, the year is divided into four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season is further divided into six parts, forming the Nijūshi-sekki (Twenty-Four Solar Terms). Each of these is further divided into three, creating the Shichijūni-kō (Seventy-Two Microseasons), which change approximately every five days. Each microseason is named after a natural phenomenon observed during that period, helping people in ancient times mark the passage of the seasons.
About the Illustration for Risshun
The first theme in this series is Risshun, one of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, which signifies the beginning of spring according to the calendar. While the weather may still be cold, subtle signs of spring start to emerge. This illustration highlights seasonal ingredients that are at their peak during this time, showcasing the richness of Japan’s food culture.
Future works in this series will be released following the cycle of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. I hope you enjoy the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons through the lens of food.
「いっぴん七十二候」より 立春のイラストレーション
「いっぴん七十二候」は、七十二候の暦にあわせて季節の食べ物を描くイラストシリーズです。東京新聞の日曜版に掲載される俳句・短歌の記事の挿絵として制作しています。立春は二十四節気のひとつで、暦の上では春の始まりを意味します。まだ寒さが残る時期ですが、少しずつ春の気配が感じられるようになります。今回は、そんな季節に旬を迎える食材を選び、日本の食文化の豊かさを表現しました。
今後も、二十四節気ごとに作品をまとめて発表していきます。日本の四季折々の美しさを、食を通じてお楽しみください。
Thank you for checking out my work!