Rittou （立冬）-- Winter begins. And like clockwork, the northerly winds start blowing. This morning I could hear the wind blowing before I even felt its cold stirring; that blisteringly dry, piercingly cold winter wind. Known as kita-kaze 北風 (the "Northern Wind,"） it is part of the Siberian High weather system that so domiminates the weather in East Asia from November till early March.
What is said to be the largest-scale high pressure system on earth, every year a huge cold air front mounts in Siberia. Centering around Lake Baikal, I think I read somewhere that the Siberian High effects winter weather patterns from Canada to Japan. I can only speak for Japan where it brings frosty temperatures. While causing heavy snows in the areas along the Japan Sea, the Siberian High sends its Siberian winds to us on the Pacific side of Japan (where there is little snow).
Because they blow so loudly, the winter wind is also known as "the wind that comes whistling through the bamboo fence" 虎落笛. In addition to chapped lips and extremely dry and itchy skin, the wind brings beautiful clear skies which are so beautiful you can hardly believe your eyes.
In the Kanto area, the winds also bring back the mountains.
Bicycling up to the store to buy small fish and cocoa for Adonis, I could barely push against the cold wind, but turning the corner, Nantai-san loomed tall to the northwest. When you see a mountain appear out of nowhere like that, it can take your breath away-- Has that monolith always been there? One wants to ask.
The season of yin is here. Yin, of course, has its challenges. But, blowing in from the mountains, the "yin winds" （陰風) bring beautiful skies and stunningly clear views. Really, what more could a person want?
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