Day of Gratitude to Teachers (Onshi no Hi)

What Is the Day of Gratitude to Teachers?

Every March 24th is the "Day of Gratitude to Teachers" (Onshi no Hi) in Japan. Also called "'Aogeba Toshi' Day," it was established by Soichi Yamanaka of Yawata, Kyoto Prefecture, and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association. The date was chosen because graduation ceremonies are held at schools around this time. It is a day to write a thank-you letter, filled with gratitude like the lyrics of the school song "Aogeba Toshi," to the teachers of your school days and to anyone you look up to as a mentor in life. It carries the wish that people will go through life without forgetting their gratitude to their teachers.

The School Song "Aogeba Toshi"

"Aogeba Toshi," which gives the day its other name, has long been sung at graduation ceremonies.

• A song from the Meiji era: "Aogeba Toshi" is a school song published in 1884. In it, graduates thank their teachers and look back on their school life.
• A graduation classic: From the Meiji era through the Showa era, it was sung at graduation ceremonies at many schools.
• One of Japan's 100 songs: In 2007, it was selected as one of the "100 Japanese Songs" chosen by the Agency for Cultural Affairs and others.

The Gratitude in the Lyrics

The first verse begins "Aogeba toshi, waga shi no on" ("When we look up, how precious is our teachers' kindness"), singing of the value of what teachers gave and of how quickly the years at school have passed.

• "Ima koso wakareme": The line "Ima koso wakareme, iza saraba," repeated at the end of each verse, means "Now is the time to part; farewell."
• "Hotaru no tomoshibi, tsumu shirayuki": This phrase in the third verse ("the light of fireflies, the piled white snow") refers to the Chinese tale of studying by the light of fireflies and the glow of snow, a symbol of diligent study.

Fun Facts About Teachers and Mentors

• Teachers' Days around the world: Many countries have days to thank teachers; for example, Teachers' Day is May 15th in South Korea and January 16th in Thailand. UNESCO and others observe October 5th as "World Teachers' Day."
• Reunions: Class reunions held years after graduation are also a chance to see former teachers again and share memories.
• "Paying it forward": Japanese has the idea of "on-okuri," passing on the kindness you received not only back to your benefactor but on to the next person.
• Mentors beyond school: People you can call a mentor are not limited to schoolteachers; they include lesson teachers, club coaches, and senior colleagues or bosses at work.

Tips for Marking the Day of Gratitude to Teachers

• Write a thank-you letter or email, with an update on your life, to a teacher or senior who helped you
• Recall words from a mentor that still stay with you
• Pay it forward by telling a junior colleague about something you were glad to have been taught
• Listen to "Aogeba Toshi" or another song you sang at graduation and look back on those days

Putting the Spirit of "Aogeba Toshi" Into a Letter

No matter how many years pass after graduation, a mentor's words often continue to support us. March 24th, in the middle of graduation season, is a day to put your gratitude into words and send it to someone who helped you.