Hospitality Day (Hospitality Day)

What Is Hospitality Day?

Every March 24th is "Hospitality Day" in Japan. It was established in 1994 by the Japan Hospitality Association (now the NPO Japan Hospitality Promotion Association). Its purpose is to spread the spirit of "hospitality," meaning consideration and warm welcome toward others. To build a more caring society, it is positioned as a "day of practice," when people show even a little consideration for others in their daily lives.

The Meaning of 3-2-4

The date was chosen by the founding organization, which assigned a meaning to each number.

• "3": Said to represent the energy to create something new, creativity and self-expression.
• "2": Said to symbolize harmony and balance, consideration, cooperation, understanding and human relationships.
• "4": Said to represent the foundation on which the whole is built.

According to the founding organization, 3-2-4 thus contains many elements closely related to hospitality.

The Difference Between Service and Hospitality

"Service" and "hospitality" are often used in similar ways, but they are said to have different nuances.

• Service: Said to focus on providing set content at a set level of quality.
• Hospitality: Said to focus on sensing the other person's situation and feelings and caring for each individual accordingly.

Fun Facts About Hospitality

• The origin of the word: "Hospitality" is said to come from the Latin "hospes," meaning "guest" or "host."
• Words from the same root: "Hospital," "hostel" and "hotel" all come from the same root. They share the idea of a place that welcomes and looks after people.
• "Omotenashi": The word "o-mo-te-na-shi," used in Tokyo's 2013 presentation bidding for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, became one of that year's buzzwords in Japan.
• Everyday hospitality: A kind word to a coworker or helping someone who is lost can also be called hospitality in practice.

Tips for Marking Hospitality Day

• Say the "thank you" you usually forget to say to family or coworkers
• If you see someone in trouble, offer a word of help
• Recall a welcome you received that stayed with you, and look for ways to apply it at work
• Add a considerate word when greeting visitors or answering the phone

A Day to Turn a Little Kindness Into Action

Hospitality is not a special skill; it begins with turning care for others into action. On March 24th, as the founding organization suggests, try putting "just a little" consideration for the people around you into practice.