Tokyo on the Spring Equinox: Tradition, Heavy Snow, Rising Rice Prices, and Shohei Ohtani’s Stunning Home Run

Spring Equinox Traditions and Unexpected Snowfall

The Spring Equinox (Shunbun no Hi) is one of Japan's national holidays, its date determined by astronomical calculations, usually falling on March 20 or 21 each year. It marks the official beginning of spring, a day when day and night are nearly equal in length, holding significant astronomical and cultural meaning. Its legal status as a national holiday was established in 1948 when the Japanese government enacted the Act on National Holidays, recognizing the balance and harmony of nature. The tradition, however, traces back even further—during the Nara period (710–794 AD), Japan, influenced by China's Tang Dynasty, adopted the 24 solar terms, with the Spring Equinox being a key seasonal marker symbolizing the cyclical rhythm of nature.

Geographically and climatically, Japan lies within the East Asian monsoon zone, and the Spring Equinox typically heralds warming weather and the impending bloom of cherry blossoms. However, the 2025 Spring Equinox was marked by a rare late-March snowfall in Tokyo. According to records from the Japan Meteorological Agency, it was the heaviest snowfall in late March since 1992, with snow accumulation reaching 10 centimeters. Tokyo, located around 35 degrees north latitude and characterized by a temperate oceanic climate, rarely sees snow in late March. This anomaly may be linked to the Arctic Oscillation or an unusual cold air mass moving southward, highlighting the growing impact of climate change.

MLB Opening Game and Shohei Ohtani's Stellar Performance

Yesterday, the MLB Opening Game was held at the Tokyo Dome, featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Chicago Cubs. The game drew immense attention from Japanese fans, with superstar Shohei Ohtani as the undisputed highlight. He hit the first home run of the 2025 MLB season—his first in a Major League game held in Japan. The crowd erupted in cheers, and this moment brought a wave of modern athletic passion and excitement to the Spring Equinox.

Baseball was introduced to Japan from the United States in the late 19th century, and over more than a century, it has become the country's national sport. Tokyo, the heart of Japanese baseball, first showcased the sport on the global stage during the 1964 Olympics. This year's MLB Opening Game being held in Tokyo not only pays tribute to Japan's rich baseball history but also reinforces Japan's standing on the global baseball map. Shohei Ohtani, as the iconic figure of Japanese baseball, embodies the deep integration of Japan's baseball culture with the international stage. His home run not only thrilled his home country's fans but also showed the world the strength and potential of Japanese baseball.

Rising Rice Prices and Government Measures

Meanwhile, the 2025 Spring Equinox coincides with a significant rise in domestic rice prices in Japan. According to statistics from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, rice prices have increased by approximately 17.2% over the past year—the largest annual jump in two decades. This is partly due to supply-demand imbalances in the global food market, especially climate disasters affecting rice yields in Southeast Asia, which in turn impact Japan's import reserves. Domestically, Japanese agriculture faces challenges such as an aging workforce and a decline in arable land. Historically, Japan has seen social unrest due to rice price fluctuations, such as the 1918 Rice Riots, when soaring rice prices led to nationwide protests. In response, the Japanese government announced in mid-March that it would release reserve rice into the market from late March to early April in an effort to stabilize prices. Experts estimate this move could bring rice prices down by 10% to 20%, though the actual effect will depend on market supply and demand dynamics.

The Multifaceted Nature of the Spring Equinox

The 2025 Spring Equinox showcases the multifaceted nature of Japan's history, geography, and modern society. From the seasonal traditions of the Nara period to the postwar establishment of national holidays, the Spring Equinox is rich in cultural meaning. Tokyo's rare snowfall underscores the challenges of climate change. The spike in rice prices and government response highlight the interplay between economy and policy. Meanwhile, the MLB Opening Game reflects the international influence of Japan's baseball culture. Together, these events paint a unique and vivid picture of the Spring Equinox in 2025.