Homemakers' Day Off (Shufu Yasumi no Hi)

What Is Homemakers' Day Off?

Every September 25th is "Homemakers' Day Off" (主婦休みの日, Shufu Yasumi no Hi) in Japan. It was established mainly by Sankei Living Shimbun Inc. and certified and registered by the Japan Anniversary Association in 2009. It is observed three times a year, on January 25th, May 25th, and September 25th. The day is meant for homemakers, both women and men, who work hard at housework and childcare every day, to take a breather and spend time refreshing themselves.

The Meaning Behind the Three Dates

Homemakers' Day Off comes three times a year, and the timing of each date has a meaning.

• After the busy seasons: Each date comes after a period when housework is especially busy: the New Year holidays, Golden Week, and summer vacation.
• Homemakers of any gender: "Shufu" here means whoever mainly handles the housework, including male homemakers ("shufu" written with a different character).
• Three goals: A day for homemakers to refresh, a day for families to be energized so that Japan is energized too, and a day for husbands and children to try housework.

An Observance Backed by Companies

Companies that support the idea have joined as "supporters," and various events and services have been offered around this day. It has spread as an occasion for the whole family to share household chores.

Facts About Homemakers' Day Off

• Housework as "invisible work": Housework, childcare, and caregiving are called "unpaid work." Japan's Cabinet Office publishes estimates that convert such unpaid work into monetary value.
• Shadow work: The thinker Ivan Illich used the term "shadow work" for labor that is unpaid but supports society.
• Related days: November 23rd, Labor Thanksgiving Day, is also "Easy Housework Day" and "Shared Housework Day," when couples and families do chores together.
• Using tools and services: Making good use of appliances, delivery, and eating out is one way to lighten the load of housework.

Ideas for Homemakers' Day Off

• Take a break from housework and make time for something you enjoy.
• Share the chores as a family and swap your usual roles.
• Eat out or get takeout for dinner and relax.
• Say "thank you for everything" out loud.

Taking a Break Keeps the Whole Family Going

September 25th, when the rush of summer vacation has settled down, is a day for those who handle the housework to take a rest. Why not talk as a family about how to share the chores so that everyone can feel good?