When did the Respect for the Aged Day in Japan start?
About Respect for the Aged Day in Japan Holiday
Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day every year on the third Monday of September. This holiday is dedicated to showing appreciation for the elderly in the country, and the tradition has been around since 1948. It is a day of honor and respect for those who have worked hard to contribute to society, and an important reminder of the value of the elderly.
This special day reflects the Japanese tradition of respecting and caring for the aged. It is a celebration of the elderly and a reminder to thank them for their contributions over the years. Respect for the Aged Day is seen as a day of giving thanks to those who are elderly, and with it, an opportunity to celebrate their lives and achievements. On Respect for the Aged Day, many send cards, visit elderly relatives, or make donations in their honor.
This day is a way of showing appreciation for the elderly in Japan, respecting the wisdom and life experience that only comes with being a part of the older generation. Through this holiday, the Japanese continue to demonstrate a true dedication to honoring and respecting those who have paved the way for the generations that followed.
History and Origin of Respect for the Aged Day in Japan
Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi) in Japan began in 1966 in order to celebrate the elderly and commemorate their accomplishments. This holiday originated the day the former Emperor Hirohito turned 75 years old, as a way of honoring the elderly and all they have contributed to society. It is celebrated annually on the third Monday of September to honor those aged 65 and over, roughly corresponding to Japan’s traditional age of retirement.
Prior to Respect for the Aged Day, Japan had Seijin no Hi, ‘Coming of Age Day’, a holiday that celebrated those turning 20 years old. In response to an increasingly aging population, the Respect for the Aged Day was designated to honor those over 65 years old, the ‘silver generation’.
The holiday was not initially celebrated nationwide, but was first created for the prefecture of Tokyo and then adopted by most other regions in subsequent years. There are variations in how it is celebrated between the prefectures and regions. Respect for the Aged Day has been celebrated in Japan for 54 years in 2020 and continues to be significant to the culture.
Significance and Meaning
In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day is a nationally designated holiday and a special day to commemorate and honor the elderly. It is also a day for the younger generation to express gratitude and appreciation for the elderly and all they have done. Japan is a large aging population and Respect for the Aged Day is significant in recognizing the value of the elderly and being conscious of growing older in society.
The holiday is also used to highlight the importance of social security and re-energize the focus on medical care and the well-being of those aged 65 and over. It is a day to celebrate the people who have shaped Japanese culture and to extend proper respect in their recognition.
Traditions and Celebrations
Traditionally, Respect for the Aged Day is marked by family gatherings, banquets and activities to honor the elderly. Many regions of Japan have activities and programs centered for the elderly on this day. Senior citizens in Japan may receive a commemorative gift from the government or from employers, such as a silver tea-set or commemorative sake bottle.
At the famous Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, there is the tradition of offering special services to the elderly, such as playing special music and providing food and drinks. There are numerous events and festivals taking place across the country on this day, including parades, traditional dance performances, and memorial services. There are also special discounts and deals for the elderly at businesses, restaurants, and tourist attractions on this day. Gifts and praise are received from the younger generations, including prepared speeches and letters of thanks, souvenirs, flowers, and money.
Geographical spread
Respect for the Aged Day is primarily observed in Japan, as it was created in 1966 as a holiday for the Japanese population to recognize the elderly. This holiday is celebrated in all 47 of the prefectures of Japan, with some regional variations in the way the day is observed. Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a popular location for special events and programs, in addition to the services offered at the Meiji Shrine.
In regions like Okinawa, Hokkaido, Yamanashi, and Kyoto, Respect for the Aged Day is an especially important holiday, with more events and activities for seniors in these locations than other regions. Okinawa is known for ‘tubamaru’, a local festival on Respect for the Aged Day. People of all ages gather to dance, play a type of handball game, and enjoy traditional food.
In Hokkaido, the art of flower arranging ‘ikebana’ is demonstrated on this day. Yamanashi honors the elderly with ‘yamayaki’, an evening on top of a mountain overlooking the valley, typically with the light of candles to commemorate the day. Lastly, Kyoto is known for its ‘koinobori’, an activity for the elderly to write down their wishes on the carp streamers that were once meant to bring good health to the family.
Modern Day Observations
Modern day observance of Respect for the Aged Day is marked by acknowledgement through technological advances. Special television programs, radio shows, and memorial acts are broadcasted as a way to celebrate and recognize the elderly. There have also been some shifts in the pacing of the events, such as the increased usage of youth-led ceremonies and activities which often take place in the mornings, followed by celebratory banquet held in the later afternoon.
The elderly are celebrated in other ways in modern times, such as online campaigns and virtual gatherings instead of physical events, due to safety regulations and health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. There are videos of performances and messages of appreciation from various individuals released online. Though there are plenty of physical events for the day that have been cancelled, modern day initiatives focused on raising funds and public awareness for the elderly have been on the rise.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
1. Japan is home to the oldest known living person, a woman by the name of Kane Tanaka who is currently at the age of 116 and continues to remain active.
2. The traditional age of retirement in Japan is 60 years old, but the current legal retirement age is 65 years old.
3. Japan has an official certificate called ‘Shōgakkō Sokucho’ which is awarded to groups of 100 or more people aged 90 or better.
4. In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day is also known as ‘Kezoro Shogatsu’, which translates to ‘old person’s New Year’.
5. Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated on the third Monday of every September, and the date of the holiday is based on the Age of the Emperor at the time the holiday was created.
6. Respect for the Aged Day was first proposed in 1964, and officially announced two years later as an official National Holiday.
7. In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day has also become a day of recognition for individuals who have achieved the status of ‘living national treasure’ in their respective field.
8. The residents of Okinawa use a festival called Tubamaru, which translates to ‘Flight of the Turtle Maze’, to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day.
9. In Okinawa, Respect for the Aged Day is also referred to as Konoue no Hi, or ‘Acceptance Day’, in reference to the importance placed on respecting one’s elders.
10. During Respect for the Aged Day, Japan encourages the general public and families to take special care of their elderly in this day, with respect for the elderly at its most celebrated peak.
Holiday Wishes
1. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and joy this Respect for the Aged Day.
2. May you have a day full of love and laughter, today and always.
3. May you be showered in a wealth of good health and peaceful moments.
4. Wishing you a day blessed with joy and surrounded by your loved ones.
5. May this Respect for the Aged Day be the furtes of many wonderful days ahead.
Holiday Messages
1. There is no greater respect than that of honoring the elderly. May this Respect for the Aged Day remind us to do just that.
2. With love and utmost respect, may this Respect for the Aged Day bring you peace, joy and happiness.
3. There is no denying the value and worth of our elderly, may this Respect for the Aged Day honor their beauty and strength, and may they be cherished all year round.
4. May this Respect for the Aged Day be an opportunity for us to gain valuable insights from those with years of experience, and soak in their wisdom.
5. May Respect for the Aged Day bring abundance to our elderly and remind us to care for them with honor and dignity.
Holiday Quotes
1. “The elderly have subtle and deep understanding of life, so learn from them how to find joy and guidance in small gift.” – Kobo Abe
2. “Respect is a sacred offering to the elderly, you receive it by respecting the older people” – Japanese Saying
3. “It takes a profoundly wise person to see the beauty in the elderly.” – Unknown
4. “Respect for the Elders is the way to good life.” – Japanese Proverb
5. “Honor the elderly if you wish to be honored in your old age.” – Japanese Proverb
Other Popular Holiday Info
The Japanese population has been steadily aging for decades, and this is further evidenced by the creation of Respect for the Aged Day in 1966. Japan is renowned for its approach to elder care and the general appreciation of their elders. This holiday has been used to acknowledge the contributions of the aged and to proactively encourage others to continue such respect and gratitude.
The Japanese language has a word for such appreciation, ‘keiaiuso’ (respect for the elderly). This concept is rooted in a strong set of traditional values and speaks to the importance of honoring the elderly in the culture. Respect for the Aged Day encourages younger generations to gain an appreciation for the sacrifices that their elders have made, as well as the challenges they have faced in their previous lives. In this sense, the holiday serves to recognize and validate the elderly by emphasizing their worth to society.
Respect for the Aged Day is an important and meaningful national holiday in Japan. It provides society with a valuable opportunity to be mindful of the accomplishments of the elderly, to pay tribute to them, and to reflect on the importance of respecting elders. It is a time to recognize the value and worth that they have brought to the Japanese culture, even as the population continues to age.
Respect for the Aged Day in Japan Also Called
Kōrei-Sai (高齢祭り).
FUN FACT:
In year 1966, Respect for the Aged Day in Japan is celebrated on September 15 for the first time.HOLIDAY CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!
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