February: 春一番 (Haruichiban)

This month’s word is Haruichiban.
Haruichiban is the first strong wind that blows southward, when Japan is transitioning to Spring. In Japan people say, “It seems it will be haruichiban today. /今日は、春一番らしいよ。(Kyo wa, haruichiban rashii yo.)” Symbolizing that Spring has finally arrived. Each year, the Japan Meteorological Agency announces when the haruichibanoccurs!