Respect for the Aged Day

Respect for the Aged Day is a public holiday in Japan held on the third Monday of September. It is a time for families and communities to honor elderly citizens, with visits, performances, and special media coverage dedicated to Japan’s seniors.

• Held on the third Monday of September each year
• Families visit and honor their elders
• Keirokai performances by children and teenagers
• Centenarians receive a letter and sake cup from the Prime Minister
• Originated in Hyōgo Prefecture in 1947

What it is

Respect for the Aged Day, known in Japanese as Keirō no Hi, is a national holiday dedicated to honoring the elderly. It is a day when families, friends, and communities across Japan express gratitude and respect for older generations. The holiday is seen as a time to reflect on the contributions of seniors to society and to foster a sense of appreciation and care for their well-being. Media coverage and community events highlight the lives and achievements of elders, reinforcing their valued role in Japanese life.

Where it comes from

The holiday began in 1947 in Nomadani-mura, Hyōgo Prefecture, where September 15 was first celebrated as Old Folks' Day. Its popularity spread, and in 1966 it became a national holiday under its current name. Since 2003, the date has shifted to the third Monday of September as part of the Happy Monday System, which moved several holidays to create long weekends. The tradition reflects Japan’s deep cultural respect for elders and their place in family and community.

How it is celebrated

On Respect for the Aged Day, many people return home to visit older family members, offering thanks and spending time together. Communities often organize keirokai—events featuring performances by children and teenagers to entertain and honor elders. Volunteers may prepare and deliver free lunch boxes to elderly residents, fostering a spirit of care and inclusion. Japanese media dedicate special programs to the holiday, highlighting stories of the oldest citizens and celebrating longevity. The government marks the occasion by sending congratulatory letters and commemorative sake cups to those reaching 100 years of age.

Joining in

If you visit Japan during Respect for the Aged Day, you may notice a quieter, family-focused atmosphere. While the main celebrations happen in homes and local community centers, some towns, such as Taka in Hyōgo Prefecture, hold public events and performances. Visitors can observe the deep respect shown to elders and may find special programming on television. It is a good time to experience the value placed on intergenerational connection in Japanese society.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Respect for the Aged Day, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Respect for the Aged Day on WikipediaEncyclopedia
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