Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日)

Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keiro No Hi) is celebrated on the third Monday of September as part of Japan’s Happy Monday System. This national holiday is a time to honor the elderly, expressing gratitude for their wisdom and contributions to society.

The question arises: What age marks the beginning of eligibility for this day? In Japan, turning 60 might be considered too young. Typically, there are three conditions that one might consider to be part of the silver-haired group:

Being over 70 years old.

Having at least one grandchild.

Being permanently retired from work.

 

The origins of Respect for the Aged Day trace back to 1947 in Nomadani Village, Hyogo Prefecture. It was established to express appreciation for the elders, particularly for their agricultural knowledge and social contributions.

Japan is renowned for its long-lived population. As of September 2023, there were approximately 90,000 centenarians, with over 80% being female.

 Additionally, one of the world’s oldest living individuals is Japanese. As of July 2024, Tomiko Itooka, a Female aged 116, born in Osaka and residing in a nursing home in Hyogo Prefecture, is recognized as the oldest living person in Japan.  

On this holiday, people engage in various activities to show their respect and care. They send seasonal gifts, such as traditional Japanese sweets or gift sets, and offer flowers. Phone calls are made to assure the elderly that they are in their thoughts. Some grandparents receive handmade paintings or handwritten greeting cards from their grandchildren.

 

TIPS: For whom are curios what does Happy Monday System mean, please see our previous blog as Happy Monday System