Respect for the Aged Day

The origin of Respect for the Aged Day lies in “Toshiyori no Hi,” which began in Nomadani Village, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture. It was established to honor the elderly and celebrate longevity, and later spread nationwide. In 1964 it was renamed “Elderly Day,” and in 1966 it became the national holiday “Respect for the Aged Day.”

1966

Respect for the Aged Day was established as a national holiday in 1966, with September 15 designated as the date at the time. Since 2003, due to the Happy Monday system, it has been changed to the current date: the third Monday of September.

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The celebration of turning 100 is called “Hyakuju” (literally, “hundred years”). The character for “hundred” (百) can also be read as “momo,” so it is sometimes called “Momoju.”

2005

Japan’s aging rate—the proportion of the population aged 65 and over—surpassed 20% in 2005 (Heisei 17). This meant that more than one in five people in the country were 65 or older, a level that was exceptionally high by global standards at the time.

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While Respect for the Aged Day is known as a uniquely Japanese holiday, days and events to honor and appreciate older adults also exist abroad. For example, in the United States and Canada, there is Grandparents Day, which is celebrated as a day to connect with and express gratitude to older people.

Forget-me-not

Forget-me-nots, with their many small, pale-colored blossoms, give off a delicate, charming impression. The flower language of the forget-me-not includes “Please don’t forget me.” Inspired by that meaning, I’m giving them as a present to express a wish to never forget our respect for older people. By the way, Grandparents Day in the United States is on the second Sunday of September, and it’s customary to give a greeting card along with a bouquet.

88 years old

Beiju refers to the celebration for someone turning 88 years old. When you write 88 in kanji, it becomes eight, ten, eight (八、十、八), which is said to form the character for “rice” (米), hence the name beiju, the rice-age celebration. In Japan, the number eight has long been considered auspicious because its shape widens toward the end, symbolizing prosperity. Since 88 has two eights, reaching 88 is regarded as especially fortunate and joyous. Many regions celebrate it grandly, much like kanreki (the 60th birthday).