Every 15th September, Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi), a national holiday dedicated to honoring older adults and their wisdom.
Imagine an entire country taking a Monday off just to celebrate grandparents, mentors, and community elders. Not a bad idea, right? While most of us don’t get the day off, it’s the perfect time to pause, look around at the grandparents, mentors, and community elders in our lives, and say: thank you.
Why Japan Holds Elders in High Esteem
Respect for the Aged Day is rooted in deep cultural traditions. Influenced by Confucian values, Japanese society has long placed elders at the heart of family and community life. Elders aren’t just “older”; they’re guardians of history, storytellers, and everyday guides who remind us where we came from.
In a society where longevity is celebrated (Japan has one of the world’s highest life expectancies), this holiday shines a spotlight on the idea that aging is not something to be feared, but something to be honored.
How Families Celebrate
Think of it as a mix between a family reunion, heartfelt gratitude, and a neighborhood festival.
Family visits: Adult children and grandchildren stop by to spend time with their elders, often bringing flowers, sweets, or useful gifts.
Community events: Local governments and schools sometimes host ceremonies, concerts, or volunteer programs where seniors are honored.
Quality time: The simplest and most meaningful tradition is just being present. Listening to stories, sharing meals, and laughing together.
These gestures are symbolic acts of gratitude for years of wisdom, hard work, and love poured into families and society.
The Heart of the Holiday: Filial Piety (Kō)
Respect for the Aged Day is Japan’s living embodiment of kō: the Confucian idea of filial piety, or devotion to one’s parents and elders. It’s a value that prioritizes care, respect, and learning from those who came before us.
In a world that often glorifies youth and novelty, this holiday reminds everyone that experience and age bring a different kind of richness. It’s not just about slowing down, but about embracing the dignity and resilience that comes with years well lived.
Ideas for Honoring Elders (Wherever You Live)
Even if you’re not in Japan, the spirit of Respect for the Aged Day can travel. Here are a few simple ways you can bring it to life in your own family:
Write a letter: Handwritten words of gratitude feel timeless, and many elders treasure keepsakes more than digital pings.
Cook a meal together: Food has always been a love language. Ask about a family recipe, then cook it side by side.
Give a thoughtful gift: It doesn’t have to be fancy. A favorite Cushion, a cozy Kakebuton, or even framed family photos can carry a lot of meaning.
- Make time: The most precious currency you can give is time. A phone call, a shared walk, or just having a talk on the Sofa Bed goes further than you think.
Why It Matters (Beyond Japan)
Respect for the Aged Day isn’t just a Japanese holiday. At its core, it’s about rebalancing how we see aging, not as decline, but as contribution. It’s about strengthening bonds across generations and making sure wisdom doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of modern life.
Whether it’s 15 September in Japan or any day in your own calendar, finding ways to honor elders in small or big gestures keeps families closer, communities stronger, and our collective memory richer.
As Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day this year, maybe we should all take a page from their book: call that grandparent, sit with that older neighbor, ask a question, and really listen. Because sometimes the best way to look forward… is to look back with gratitude.
