Japanese
Shingetsu- New Moon
In this phase, the sun, moon and earth align, so that the moon's light is shielded by the earth and the moon remains unseen. Though it's dark, you can still see a thin sliver of a border where the moon should be.
Futsukazuki- Second-day Moon
A slender crescent on the right-hand side of the moon.
Mikazuki- Waxing Crescent
The word waxing refers to growing, or expanding in illumination. In this phase, the moon begins to grow
Jusanyazuki- Still Waiting
This halfway moon is thought to be especially beautiful despite growing anticipation.
Komochizuki- Lying down
This nearly-full moon is best appreciated when lying down in a clear area and looking up at the night sky.
Mangetsu- Full Moon
Also known as harvest moon, the full moon reaches its highest illumination and shines brightly in the sky.
Izayoizuki- Hesitating Moon
This moon seems to hesitate in the twilight before rising, hence the term izayoi (hesitating). It is also be called the “waiting for twilight moon.”
Tachimachizuki- Standing and Waiting
As the moon rises progressively later in the day by this time of the month, the name suggests standing and waiting for it to appear.
Imachizuki- Sitting and Waiting
Because this moon takes even longer to rise than tachimachizuki, you end up sitting and waiting for it to appear.
Nemachizuki- Sleeping and Waiting
This lemon-shaped moon was beloved by Edo Rimpa school artists, who painted natural subjects against backdrops of gold leaf.
Fukemachizuki- Waiting Late Into the Night
Still later to rise, this moon doesn’t come out until late into the night.
Kagen-no-tsuki- Lower Bowstring Moon
This half-moon resembles a strung bow waiting to be launched.
Mosikasuki- Full Moon
A dark, moonless night, this phase is known as moon shadow. Once this phase is reached, the cycle starts all over again.
Shingetsu- New Moon
In this phase, the sun, moon and earth align, so that the moon's light is shielded by the earth and the moon remains unseen. Though it's dark, you can still see a thin sliver of a border where the moon should be.
Futsukazuki- Second-day Moon
A slender crescent on the right-hand side of the moon.
Mikazuki- Waxing Crescent
The word waxing refers to growing, or expanding in illumination. In this phase, the moon begins to grow
Jusanyazuki- Still Waiting
This halfway moon is thought to be especially beautiful despite growing anticipation.
Komochizuki- Lying down
This nearly-full moon is best appreciated when lying down in a clear area and looking up at the night sky.
Mangetsu- Full Moon
Also known as harvest moon, the full moon reaches its highest illumination and shines brightly in the sky.
Izayoizuki- Hesitating Moon
This moon seems to hesitate in the twilight before rising, hence the term izayoi (hesitating). It is also be called the “waiting for twilight moon.”
Tachimachizuki- Standing and Waiting
As the moon rises progressively later in the day by this time of the month, the name suggests standing and waiting for it to appear.
Imachizuki- Sitting and Waiting
Because this moon takes even longer to rise than tachimachizuki, you end up sitting and waiting for it to appear.
Nemachizuki- Sleeping and Waiting
This lemon-shaped moon was beloved by Edo Rimpa school artists, who painted natural subjects against backdrops of gold leaf.
Fukemachizuki- Waiting Late Into the Night
Still later to rise, this moon doesn’t come out until late into the night.
Kagen-no-tsuki- Lower Bowstring Moon
This half-moon resembles a strung bow waiting to be launched.
Mosikasuki- Full Moon
A dark, moonless night, this phase is known as moon shadow. Once this phase is reached, the cycle starts all over again.
