Honoring Wisdom: Experiencing Japan’s Respect for the Aged Day

Have you heard of Respect for the Aged Day? This national holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of September across Japan. Known as Keirō no Hi, the purpose of the day is to show respect to the elderly who have contributed to society and to celebrate their long lives. This special day isn’t just a holiday; it’s a fundamental part of Japanese culture that highlights the importance of honoring wisdom and experience. Through various celebrations and traditions, the day reflects a deep-seated respect for elders that is central to the country’s values. So, let’s jump into this special day that honors family, tradition, and love.

How the Holiday Started

The holiday first started in Taka Town, Kita-Harima, Hyogo Prefecture (formerly known as Nomadani Village in Taka District). At that time, the village mayor, Masao Kadowaki, suggested, “Let’s take care of our elderly people and use their wisdom for the village’s growth.” He held a meeting to honor them, and that became the beginning of the holiday. From the very beginning, the purpose of this special day has always been to respect and take care of grandparents and other older people.

After its beginnings as a small village event, the observance of Respect for the Aged Day quickly spread. Once it became a national holiday, a wide range of traditions and customs developed across the country. Families began using the day as a special opportunity to visit their elderly relatives, often bringing gifts of flowers, sweets, or practical items to show their appreciation. In schools, children would create heartfelt cards and drawings for their grandparents, while communities and local governments would organize events such as concerts, traditional performances, and tea parties to honor senior citizens. This collective effort, from personal gestures to public ceremonies, solidified the holiday’s role as a nationwide tribute to the wisdom, hard work, and long lives of Japan’s older generation.

From September 15 to Happy Monday

In 2025, the holiday is set to fall on Monday, September 15. In the past, it has always been on this date every year. In 2001, the “Happy Monday System” was created, and from 2003 onwards, the date changed to the third Monday of September. This system moves some holidays to Monday so people can have a three-day weekend. Because Respect for the Aged Day is close to Autumn Equinox Day, sometimes the week becomes a long holiday known as “Silver Week.”

Who Do We Celebrate?

There is no set rule for the age of people you celebrate on this day. While the Elderly Welfare Law defines those over 65 as “elderly,” many families extend the celebration to younger relatives, often starting when grandchildren have been born and grown a bit. The reason for this is to show deep-seated gratitude for the wisdom and contributions of these individuals. It’s a day to honor those who have dedicated their lives to raising families, building communities, and passing down cultural values and traditions. By celebrating them, families and society as a whole are acknowledging the invaluable role they play as mentors, historians, and pillars of strength for younger generations.

My Family’s Celebration

In my family, we started celebrating every year when my grandparents turned 60. Before the day came, all my relatives would gather, and my grandparents’ house was full of happy voices and the smell of delicious food. The adults cooked and talked about old times, while the children played in the garden. My parents gave my grandparents beer or sweets, but I was still small and didn’t have much pocket money, so I gave them “shoulder massage coupons” or hand-drawn pictures. My grandparents were very happy, and my grandmother still keeps one of my coupons in her memory box.

How My Gifts Changed Over Time

As I got older, my gifts changed. In junior high school, I saved my allowance and bought my grandmother her favorite sweets. On that day, I realized that Respect for the Aged Day is not just a celebration—it is also a chance to say thank you and feel the connection between family members.

Why This Holiday is Special to Me

For me, this holiday holds a special meaning that goes far beyond the calendar. It’s a collection of warm memories, a feeling of comfort and gratitude that reminds me of the wisdom and love passed down through generations. It is a day that encourages us to slow down, to truly see the people who have shaped our lives, and to tell them—with our words and our actions—how deeply we appreciate them. In a world that often rushes forward, Respect for the Aged Day is a beautiful reminder to honor our past and the people who have made our present possible.

Respect for the Aged Day is more than a tradition — it is a way to keep family bonds strong and to remember the value of gratitude. Celebrating this day helps us show kindness and respect, not only to our own grandparents but also to all elderly people who have shaped our society. My personal experiences have taught me that even small gestures, like a handmade gift or simply spending time together, can create memories that last a lifetime. In a busy world, this holiday reminds us to slow down and appreciate the people who came before us. So, make sure to mark the date, no matter where you are, and take the opportunity to tell those who mean the world to you just how much you love them!

Featured Photo Credit: yamasan0708

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