Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated every year on the third Monday of September. This year the day is observed on September 19. It is a national holiday in Japan which people celebrate by spending time with their elderly relatives and friends. Our elders are our link to the past and we should honor them.
History
The story of this holiday starts right after World War II, when a small town in Japan, named Nomatanimura, now renamed Yachiyocho, in the Hyōgo Prefecture, decreed that September 15 be known as Toshiyori no Hi or “Old Folks’ Day.” Masao Kadowaki, the mayor of that town, believed that people should credit their elders, those fifty-five and over, for guidance after the hardship and chaos of the war.
The reasons for picking this certain date differ. Some legends say that around this exact period, the Yoro Falls in Japan miraculously healed a young man’s father, while others say this date was chosen because a legendary ruler named Prince Shotoku founded a home for the aged, which was, named after a god who was born on this date.
This local celebration gained popularity around Japan, over the years, it was renamed Keiro no Hi and over the years reached its prime status x, when it was established as a national holiday. However, when Japan introduced a system known as the Happy Monday System, the actual date to honor the aged changed. This was a request to provide more three-day weekends to regular Monday-Friday, 9-5, workers by moving public holidays to Mondays. Nowadays, this holiday is observed on the third Monday of every September.
Timeline of Respect for the Aged Day
1947 (‘Old Folks’ Day’) – In order to honor the elderly, a small town in Japan declared this day to be a local holiday.
1966 (Celebrations Went National) – Respect for the Aged Day gained popularity, becoming a national holiday celebrated each year, on September 15.
1998 (Happy Monday System Came Online) – Japan introduced a system to move public holidays to Mondays in order to give people more three-day weekends.
2003 (A New Date!) – Since this year, Respect for the Aged Day was moved to the third Monday of September.
Find out what is tomorrow’s date
FAQs about Respect for the Aged Day
How do the Japanese respect their elders?
The Japanese observe a remarkable day, known as Respect for the Aged Day, to honor their elders. Besides, the Japanese are known for being respectful of elders, because it is their cultural norm.
How did Keiro no Hi begin?
Keiro No Hi originated in the Hyogo Prefecture. in a small village called Nomadani-mura, currently known as Taka-cho today.
Why are there many elderly in Japan?
The high proportion of elderly citizens in Japan has been ascribed to its long duration of a very high life expectancy and low fertility.
How Do We Celebrate Respect for the Aged Day?
Wisely use their experience
Cherish the guidance and experience the older population can bring to your life. Our elders have a wealth of wisdom and knowledge that they are very willing to share. You can use their experience as a measuring tool for your further steps; let them be your bridge to the past, understand their traditions, and learn from their mistakes.
Read about various National days here
Try to be extra nice to the elderly on this day
Especially when it comes to the older people in our society, we always recommend a good deed or two, but be particularly aware of this part of the population on this day and whenever you can, lend a helping hand to them.
Connect with special events
Organize fun competitions and virtual events, host Japanese-themed theatre specials online, and get together with relatives and elderly friends because this holiday is the perfect time for those activities.
5 Interesting Facts about Respect for the Aged Day
Exceptional gifts for centenarians
On this holiday, 12 months before Japanese citizens turn 100 years old, they receive a special silver sake dish.
The number of people of hundred or more years old is high in Japan
As per a Japan Today report in 2020, since 1950, Japan’s elderly population has been on the rise and is predicted to rise to 35.3% by the year 2040.
From silver to silver-plated sake dishes
The Japanese government was forced to switch to silver-plated sake dishes from silver ones because the rising population turned silver sake dishes into very expensive gifts to give.
The present numbers
Nowadays, in Japan, there are 80,450 centenarians
Their diets play a great part in it
One reason for Japan’s high population of centenarians is a balanced diet.
The Significance of Respect for the Aged Day
We get to profit from their knowledge
Older generations and their overall actions have paved the way for us. Owing to them we learn and understand ourselves. Even simple dialogues with someone from the past generation gives us an incredible understanding of our heritage, coming from the original source. Traditions such as these give us an opportunity to use the older generation’s experiences, actions, and mistakes, to make a better future.
It makes them feel significant
The majority of us have moved away from our homes, and therefore, see less and less of our elders. This day acts as a very good reminder to connect with the older generation and let them know that they are appreciated and seen.
We form a sense of identity through our past
As a generation, we still have a lot to learn from our elders as our history is preserved in their minds. We can use given chances to comprehend how our pasts influence our future and let this teach us responsibility for the next generations.
