[For Seniors] Enjoy Brain Training with September Trivia Quizzes & Fun Facts

Prayers for the family's health and a bountiful harvest of the five grains

There is a tradition of offering tsukimi dango to the moon with wishes for the health of one’s family and oneself, as well as for bountiful harvests. It has long been believed that by eating dumplings shaped to resemble the moon, one can share in the moon’s power.

Alzheimer's disease

September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day, during which awareness activities about Alzheimer’s disease are conducted around the world. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that is common among older adults. The day was established in 1994 through a collaboration between Alzheimer’s Disease International and the World Health Organization.

Hyogo Prefecture

The roots of Respect for the Aged Day lie in an event that began in 1947 in Nomadani Village, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture (now Taka Town), as “Toshiyori no Hi” (Day of the Elderly). It later spread nationwide, and in 1966 it became a national holiday known today as Respect for the Aged Day.

Nagatsuki

In the old lunar calendar, September is called Nagatsuki. It is said to derive from yonagatsuki, meaning “long nights month,” because the nights gradually grow longer during this time. Kannazuki refers to the tenth month, and Shimotsuki to the eleventh month in the old calendar.

Animal Welfare Week

Animal Welfare Week is held every year from September 20 to 26. During this period, various events and initiatives are carried out across the country to raise interest in and understanding of animal welfare and proper care.

China

Tsukimi is a traditional Japanese event where people celebrate the autumn harvest and togetherness while gazing at the beautiful moon, and it is said to have been introduced from China during the Heian period. The Mid-Autumn Festival of the Tang dynasty was brought to Japan and took root as a uniquely Japanese Tsukimi culture.