Respect for the Aged Day

Respect for the Aged Day, known in Japan as Keirō no Hi (敬老の日), is a national holiday dedicated to honoring older people and recognizing their contributions to families, communities, and society. It is observed annually on the third Monday of September; in 2026, it falls on September 21. The holiday reflects longstanding Japanese cultural values of respect for elders, intergenerational responsibility, and gratitude for the knowledge and experience passed down through families and local communities.

The custom originated in 1947, when a community in Hyōgo Prefecture began holding an event called “Old Folks’ Day” on September 15. The idea gradually spread throughout Japan, and the date became a national observance in 1966. As part of the Happy Monday system, Respect for the Aged Day was moved from September 15 to the third Monday of September in 2003, creating a long weekend and connecting the holiday with Japan’s broader autumn period of family gatherings and community events. The occasion also highlights Japan’s aging population and the importance of social inclusion, healthcare, and continued participation by older citizens.

Families commonly use Respect for the Aged Day to visit older relatives, share a meal, present gifts, and express appreciation for their advice and support. Children and grandchildren may give flowers, photographs, handwritten cards, sweets, clothing, or practical gifts. Municipal governments, neighborhood associations, senior citizens’ clubs, and care facilities often organize commemorative ceremonies, concerts, dances, tea gatherings, storytelling sessions, and appreciation events. Schools and community groups may prepare performances or messages, while local media frequently feature residents who have reached advanced ages.

There is no single required holiday dish, but celebratory meals often include seasonal Japanese foods such as rice dishes, grilled fish, vegetables, fruit, wagashi sweets, and red-and-white foods associated with happiness and celebration. Families may also enjoy autumn specialties such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and freshly harvested rice. Common expressions include “Keirō no Hi omedetō gozaimasu” (“Happy Respect for the Aged Day”) and “Itsumo arigatō gozaimasu” (“Thank you always”), although sincere thanks and respectful time spent together are generally more important than formal wording. Because the holiday often forms part of Japan’s September Silver Week period, travel and reunions are also popular traditions.