As September arrives, you can begin to feel the signs of autumn in Japan.
In recent years, hot weather often continues well into September. However, mornings and evenings gradually become cooler, and the sounds of insects can be heard more often.
In early September, rice plants begin to ripen, and rice fields turn a beautiful golden color.
Around September 8 is Hakuro（白露）, one of the 24 seasonal divisions of the traditional Japanese calendar. As the temperature difference between day and night becomes greater, morning dew begins to appear on grasses and flowers.
By mid-September, swallows begin their journey south. On September 23, Japan reaches the Shubun（秋分）, when the length of day and night becomes almost equal.
September is also a wonderful season to enjoy autumn foods such as pears, grapes, chestnuts, and sweet potatoes.
Silver Week
September has two national holidays: Respect for the Aged Day and the Autumnal Equinox Day.
In 2026, the way these holidays fall together with weekends creates a longer holiday period, commonly known as Silver Week.
If you are currently job hunting, be sure to check the business days of the companies you are applying to. If you submit an application just before the holiday period, you may not receive a reply until after Silver Week.
Autumn Recruitment Is Still an Opportunity
Recruitment for new graduates in Japan is most active from spring through summer, but some companies continue hiring in September.
In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as companies that have not yet reached their planned number of hires, may continue recruitment into autumn.
If you are an international student who has not yet received a job offer, there is no need to give up.
Take another look at your job search. Try looking for companies you did not apply to before summer, and consider not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized companies.
Some companies also contact students who participated in summer internships with information about company briefings or the next stages of the selection process.
If you joined a summer internship, check your emails and messages from the company again.
October Employment and Autumn Enrollment
In Japan, April is the most common time to start a new job or begin school, but some companies and universities also use October as an important starting point.
Many companies carry out personnel transfers or organizational changes on October 1, and many mid-career employees also begin new jobs in October.
People who changed jobs after receiving their summer bonus often start working at their new company in September or October.
Some universities, graduate schools, and Japanese language schools also offer autumn enrollment, particularly for international students.
If you are starting a new job or school in October, September is an important month for preparation.
Be sure to check your housing, commuting or school route, bank account, mobile phone arrangements, and any necessary administrative procedures as early as possible.
Don’t Forget to Apply for the JLPT
Applications for the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) held in December close in early September.
For the December 2026 test, the application period runs from August 24 to September 7.
If you are planning to take the exam and have not yet applied, be sure to check the deadline.
There are about three months left until the test, so this is also a good time to review your study plan.
September marks the beginning of autumn, but it is also a season when typhoons often approach or make landfall in Japan.
Heavy rain can cause train suspensions and flight cancellations. It is also important to be prepared for flooding, river overflow, landslides, and other damage caused by intense rainfall.
Once the Autumnal Equinox has passed, autumn begins in earnest.
In Japan, there are many expressions such as “autumn for good food,” “autumn for reading,” and “autumn for sports.” Autumn is also considered a good season to start something new.
Why not begin something new this autumn?
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
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