Greeting Day
Wordplay AnniversariesWhat Is Greeting Day?
November 13th is "Greeting Day" (Aisatsu no Hi) in Japan. It was established by the Japan Greeting Certification Association, which works to promote greetings. The date comes from a wordplay that reads 11 as "ii" (good) and 13 as "aisatsu" (greeting). Its purpose is to create connections between people through greetings and make society a happier place.
The Thought Behind "A Good (11) Greeting (13)"
A greeting is the first word that connects people in every setting, from home and school to the workplace and the local community. Taking this day as a cue, efforts are made in various places to make greetings more fun, energetic and familiar.
- Established by: the Japan Greeting Certification Association
- Origin of the date: the wordplay "ii (11) aisatsu (13)," meaning "a good greeting"
- Purpose: to create connections between people through greetings and make society happier
- Local efforts: Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture runs a "greeting campaign" encouraging heartfelt greetings on November 13th
"Aisatsu" Began as a Zen Term
The Japanese word "aisatsu" (greeting) is said to come from the Zen Buddhist phrase "ichiai issatsu." "Ai" means to push and "satsu" means to press closer; originally the phrase described Zen monks exchanging questions and answers to test the depth of each other's enlightenment. Over time, it came to mean the words and gestures people exchange when they meet or part.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Say "good morning" a little more clearly than usual when you arrive at work
- Greet people you rarely talk to, such as colleagues in other departments or the building's security staff
- Add a short greeting at the start of your emails and chat messages
- Exchange warm greetings with your family and neighbors
A Single Greeting Can Change the Mood of the Day
A greeting costs almost nothing in money or time, yet it is our most familiar form of communication. November 13th is a day to put a little more heart into everyday greetings and feel your connection with the people around you.