Thank You Day (Sankyū no Hi / Day of Gratitude)

What is Thank You Day (Day of Gratitude)?

March 9th is "Thank You Day" or "Day of Gratitude" in Japan. The date comes from a number-sound pun: "san" (3) + "kyū" (9) sounds like the English "thank you," and several gratitude-themed days have been established on this date. The "Day of Gratitude" registered with the Japan Anniversary Association was established by Shigeko Yokoyama of Ehime Prefecture as a day to think of the people and events we have encountered through life — not only family members, as on Mother's Day or Father's Day. By expressing gratitude to family, friends, colleagues, and even to ourselves, this day aims to deepen emotional bonds and create a warm ripple effect throughout society.

Where "Arigatō" and "Kansha" Come From

We say "thank you" every day, but its origins make it sound a little different.

• The origin of "arigatō": "Arigatō" comes from the adjective "arigatashi," which originally meant "difficult to exist" — that is, rare. From there it came to express the feeling that something is "so rare and precious" that one is grateful.
• The characters for "kansha": In the Japanese word for gratitude, "kansha," the character 感 means "to be moved" and 謝 means "to express thanks." Gratitude is being moved by someone and putting it into words.
• Regional ways to say thanks: Japan has many local words for thank you, such as "ōkini" in Kansai, "dandan" in Izumo (Shimane) and Ehime, and "nifēdēbiru" in Okinawa.

"Thank You" Days Gathered on March 9

• 3.9 Day (A Day to Deliver Thanks): Established by the NPO HAPPY&THANKS as a day for sharing gratitude, based on the "san-kyū" pun.
• Mixed Juice Day: Established by Ookini Coffee in Osaka, combining the pun "mi (3) ku (9) su" with "ōkini = thank you = 39."
• Send "Thank You" with a QUO Card Day: Established by QUO Card Co., Ltd., hoping people will send their thanks ("san-kyū" = 39) with gift cards.
• Green Memorial Day: Established by a houseplant rental company, combining "mi" (3, from midori, green) and "ku" (9, from kuyō, memorial) with the "thank you" pun.
• Short thanks work too: A bow, a nod, or a smile also conveys gratitude, and adding a specific word about what made you happy helps your thanks come across.

A Single Word of Warmth Can Melt the Walls Around the Heart

Thank You Day is about noticing the "extraordinary" hidden inside things we usually take for granted: water flowing when you turn the tap, someone stepping aside to let you pass, or simply being alive today. On March 9th, why not turn your attention to all the "things to be thankful for" that surround you and let your heart feel a little fuller? A single "thank you" brightens someone else's day — and often warms your own heart a little too.

Ideas for Enjoying Thank You Day

• Tell someone close to you a specific thing you're grateful for — by email, letter, or in person
• Today, try saying a warm "thank you" to everyone you interact with, from convenience store clerks to station staff
• At the edge of a notebook, jot down just three good things that happened today to remind yourself of your own good fortune
• At the end of the day, look in the mirror and tell yourself, "Thanks for getting through today"

Gratitude Brightens Tomorrow

March 9th is a day for the warmth in your heart to rise a little and spread kindness to those around you. May your "thank you" gradually make your relationships a little richer. May today be a day overflowing with joy and love — a truly "miraculous" day in every sense of the word!