Compliment Card Day

What Is Compliment Card Day?

January 14th is "Compliment Card Day" in Japan, established by the Japan Compliment Card Association, headquartered in Hanakawado, Taito Ward, Tokyo, which holds compliment card courses and trains instructors. The date comes from a pun on "i (1) i (1) yo (4)" ("that's good"), and the day was certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2016.

What Is a "Compliment Card"?

Compliment cards are said to be a set of 100 carefully selected compliments. Examples of compliments include "arigato" (thank you), "sasuga" (just what I'd expect from you), "teinei da ne" (that's so thorough), and "kitai shiteru" (I'm counting on you).

• Its purpose: to expand people's vocabulary of compliments and make communication at home and in the workplace smoother
• How it's used: looking through the cards to choose and actually voice a compliment fitting for the person in front of you
• Its wish: to express gratitude to family and coworkers through compliments, making the relationships close to us a little happier

Why Compliments Matter

In Japan, many people aren't used to giving compliments, or find it embarrassing to do so. But putting everyday gratitude and praise into words is believed to have a powerful effect on motivating others and deepening trust.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Share words of gratitude or praise you've been feeling toward family or coworkers
• Use a compliment card to expand your own repertoire of compliments
• Recall a compliment that made you happy when someone said it to you
• Reconsider how you speak to those you mentor, like children or subordinates

A Single Compliment Has the Power to Change a Relationship

What Compliment Card Day wants to convey is the importance of casually complimenting the people around you in everyday life, not just on special occasions. Let January 14th be a chance to put your gratitude and admiration for those close to you into words.