Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Keiro no Hi)

What Is Respect for the Aged Day?

"Respect for the Aged Day" (Keirō no Hi) is a Japanese national holiday held on the third Monday of September, so it falls somewhere between September 15 and 21 each year. Under the National Holidays Act, its purpose is "to respect and love the elderly who have contributed to society for many years, and to celebrate their long lives." Until 2002 the holiday was fixed on September 15, and today September 15 is still designated "Elderly Day" (Rōjin no Hi) under the Act on Social Welfare for the Elderly, with September 15 to 21 designated "Elderly Week."

A History That Began on September 15

The roots of Respect for the Aged Day lie in a small village in Hyogo Prefecture just after World War II.

• The Nomadani Village gathering: On September 15, 1947, Masao Kadowaki, mayor of Nomadani Village in Taka District, Hyogo (now part of Taka Town), held a gathering to honor residents aged 55 and over, with the idea of "cherishing the elderly and drawing on their wisdom to rebuild the village." This is considered the origin of the day. September 15 was chosen because it fell in the slack farming season and the weather was pleasant.
• Spreading nationwide: Hyogo Prefecture established "Toshiyori no Hi" (Old Folks' Day) in 1950, and in 1951 the Central Social Welfare Council (now the Japan National Council of Social Welfare) designated September 15 as "Toshiyori no Hi."
• Changing names: The Act on Social Welfare for the Elderly of 1963 renamed it "Elderly Day," and in 1966 it became the national holiday "Respect for the Aged Day."
• Other theories: According to Taka Town's public newsletter, Kadowaki also drew on the legend of the Yōrō Waterfall, alongside the farming calendar and the weather, when choosing the date. Some also link the date to the day Prince Shōtoku is said to have founded the Hiden-in welfare facility at Shitennōji Temple, but that remains a tradition rather than established fact.

The Move to the Third Monday of September

Under the 2001 revision of the National Holidays Act (the so-called "Happy Monday System"), the holiday moved to the third Monday of September from 2003.

• First moved in 2004: In 2003 the third Monday happened to fall on September 15, so the first year the holiday was held on a different date was 2004, on September 20.
• Opposition: The change drew objections and expressions of regret from the day's originator, Masao Kadowaki, and from the National Federation of Senior Citizens' Clubs.

Respect for the Aged Day Trivia

• Celebrating centenarians: People who turn 100 during the fiscal year receive a letter of congratulations and a commemorative gift from the Prime Minister around Elderly Day, September 15.
• A monument at the birthplace: A stone monument inscribed "Birthplace of Respect for the Aged Day" stands at the Yachiyo Community Plaza in Taka Town.
• 50th anniversary: A ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the holiday was held in Taka Town on September 15, 2016.
• Commemorative postcards: A special "Toshiyori no Hi" postcard was issued in 1958.
• Related anniversaries: September 15 is also "Hijiki Day" and "Silver Seat Day," both inspired by the former date of Respect for the Aged Day.

Ideas for Respect for the Aged Day

• Call or write to your grandparents or older relatives to say thank you.
• Ask older people about life and work in their younger days.
• Go for a walk or share a meal together and take time to talk.
• Thank senior colleagues and older neighbors for their everyday support.

A Day to Put Gratitude Into Words

Respect for the Aged Day is a time to express respect and gratitude to those who have lived long lives before us. It began with a village mayor who, in the turmoil after the war, wanted to "draw on the wisdom of the elderly to rebuild the village." However busy you are, take a little time today to listen to the older people around you.