“Akino yonaga”— the long autumn nights — refers to the seasonal mood that follows the autumnal equinox, when daylight hours shorten and the nights come to feel especially long. A cool breeze carries the sounds of insects, and the quiet hours spent under the moonlight have long soothed people’s hearts.
In the Heian court (794–1185)
In the Heian court (794–1185), nobles would dim their lamps as night deepened and, by moonlight and insect song, exchange waka poems. At moon-viewing parties they read the signs of autumn in the waxing and waning of the moon and enjoyed elegant evenings.
the Edo period (1603–1868)
By the Edo period (1603–1868), reading and writing had spread among the common people, and the long nights became an ideal time to retreat to a study and read ukiyo-zōshi (popular fiction). Poetic gatherings such as haikai and senryū meetings were held, where friends shared short verses that wove in autumn insects and colored leaves.
Today
Today many people use the long autumn nights for hobbies and self-improvement. They immerse themselves in books, handicrafts, or model building, or take night walks to savor the clear air and mull over ideas. Binge-watching films and dramas and organizing simultaneous watch-parties via streaming services have also become popular.
For amateur astronomers, autumn’s clear air makes it an excellent season for observing stars and meteor showers. Around the new moon the Milky Way can appear vividly, and spending long stretches peering through a telescope feels like a real luxury.
The night’s quiet is also ideal for exam preparation and language study: spreading out notes in a calm room and watching online lectures is an efficient way to learn and to reset from the daytime rush. Pausing for deep breaths or light stretches and a warm drink helps keep body and mind in balance.
Across history and cultures, many people have made the long autumn nights their own. This year, why not listen to the insects and bask in the moonlight as you discover your own special way to enjoy the season?
