Oyaji Day (Dad's Day)

What Is Oyaji Day?

August 20th is "Oyaji Day" in Japan, established by Top Coaching Stadium, a company specializing in talent development and coaching. The date comes from a pun on "o (0) ya (8) ji (20)," meaning "oyaji," a casual word for "dad."

A Playful Pun Carrying Deep Affection for Fathers

This anniversary offers a chance to reflect on fathers from a different angle than June's "Father's Day."

• The date's origin: established from a pun reading the date's numbers as "o (0) ya (8) ji (20)," together forming "oyaji"
• The word "oyaji": more casual than the formal word for "father," "oyaji" carries an affectionate familiarity beneath its slightly bashful tone
• Its purpose: to create an opportunity to reconnect with fathers, who often don't hear enough thanks in everyday life

Complicated Feelings That Are Hard to Put Into Words

Compared to mothers, many people find it harder to put their gratitude toward their fathers into words. "Oyaji Day" offers a small nudge to get past that awkwardness.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Call or message your father to share how you're doing
• Make time to share a drink or a meal together
• Look back on a cherished memory with your father
• Put gratitude you don't usually voice into a letter or note

Behind the Bashfulness, an Unchanging Bond Between Parent and Child

The word "oyaji" carries, however clumsily, gratitude and love that's hard to say face-to-face. Let August 20th be a chance to be just a little more honest with the "oyaji" in your life.