Keiro-no-hi: Respect for the Aged day in Japan

(AP photo / Shizuo Kambayashi)

Monday, September 21st, 2009 is the Japanese national holiday called keiro-no-hi, or Respect-for-the-Aged Day. According to the Cabinet Office of the Japanese Government, keiro-no-hi is defined as, “The day to give respect to the elderly, who have served society for many years, and celebrate their longevity.”

Keiro-no-hi is the first of two Japanese national holidays in September, the second being shubun-no-hi, or the Fall Equinox. Keiro-no-hi first became a Japanese national holiday in 1966. It used to be set as September 15th, but was changed to be the third Monday in September starting in 2003 to create a long weekend for workers. Since the Fall Equinox happens to be on September 23rd this year, the Japanese government made September 22nd a national holiday, which gives Japanese citizens a five-day long holiday being dubbed “Silver Week” by some.

Why Respect-for-the-Aged Day?

James Zumwalt, Deputy Director of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, wrote in a recent blog entry, “it seemed wonderful that Japan would set aside a holiday to remember the contributions of the older generation. Most Americans do not celebrate the elderly with any special holiday.” In Japan, one’s elders have traditionally been respected. They are the teachers and builders of the society the Japanese live in, so it would seem only natural to want to give them their own special day.

How is Respect-for-the-Aged Day celebrated?

There does not seem to be a “set tradition” for Respect-for-the-Aged Day, as there are for some other national holidays in Japan. One Japanese source recommended giving gifts of appreciatation. A survey of elderly people in July of 2009 indicated that the best “gift” was simply doing dinner with them. Other good gifts included flowers, sweets, and anything related to their grandchildren. In most cases, it would seem that it is the thought that matters the most.

Read more about Japan by the Japan Travel Examiner