The summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, including Japan, marks the day of the year with the longest period between sunrise and sunset when the sun is at its culmination (greatest) altitude. It falls on June 21 in 2022.

One of the notable summer solstice customs throughout Japan is the Misogi event held at the Futami-okitama Shrine in Mie Prefecture. Worshipers watch the morning sun rise between the two rocks rising from the sea known as the Meoto Iwa, or the Married Couple Rocks.

A variety of customs and festivals celebrating the summer solstice are found in many other northern hemisphere countries apart from Japan. At the ancient remains of Stonehenge in England, on the summer solstice the morning sun rises along a line that joins the central and recumbent Altar Stone and the Heel Stone, which stands within the Avenue just outside the entrance. People from all over the world gather at Stonehenge to celebrate this day.

In northern Finland, the summer solstice falls during the country’s season of white nights and is a very important event. People light bonfires, relax in saunas and enjoy a meal in the company of family and friends. To celebrate the summer solstice in Latvia people make floral tiaras from wildflowers, while beer, cheese and music are essential accompaniments. In the Provence region of France, children gather firewood for bonfires, and the building of bonfires is also a custom in Germany.

The building of bonfires on the summer solstice is meant to ward off evil spirits and bad luck and to express the desire for good luck and a bountiful harvest.