Japanese Respect for the Aged Day: A Beautiful Celebration of Wisdom

In Japan, the third Monday of September is a special holiday called Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi). This national holiday is all about celebrating and honoring older people, especially grandparents. In fact, more than 30% of Japan’s population is over the age of 60, so this day holds great meaning.

On this day, grandchildren often give gifts or call their grandparents to show love and appreciation. Families might visit elderly relatives, and television shows often feature stories about inspiring older people in Japan. The goal is to remind everyone how important older generations are to society.

Why is it called a “red day”?

In Japanese calendars, national holidays are printed in red ink, which is why holidays like this are sometimes called “red days.”

Respect for the Aged Day was first celebrated in 1966 on September 15, but in the early 2000s, the Japanese government moved it to the third Monday of September. This was part of a plan to give people long weekends, so they could rest more and spend time with family.

Some say that the holiday also helps encourage people to enjoy life and spend time with loved ones, since Japan is known for its hardworking culture. Whether that’s true or not, it’s a beautiful tradition that reminds everyone to value wisdom, kindness, and family connections.

Celebrate Japanese Traditions with Dinolingo

Want to teach your child about Japanese holidays like Keirō no Hi while learning the language at the same time? Try Dinolingo’s Japanese learning program perfect for kids ages 2 to 14. With videos, songs, storybooks, worksheets, flashcards, and interactive games, your child can explore not just the language, but also the culture of Japan.

Dinolingo works on web, iOS, and Android, and includes a parent dashboard, offline materials, and learning paths for every age group. One subscription gives access to 50+ languages, making it ideal for curious learners and multilingual families.