When is Senior Citizens' Day?
In Japan, the third Monday in September is not a day like any other. It is Keirō no Hi, Senior Citizens' Day, a day entirely dedicated to honoring our dear seniors. These elders are not only the living memory of society, but also the holders of those little anecdotes that make the younger generations laugh so much (even if they are often told several times, with details that seem increasingly less precise over time).
What do we do on Seniors Day?
On this day, all of Japan comes together to remind their elders how precious they are. Schoolchildren visit retirement homes to offer drawings. Families gather around generous meals where the star of the day can finally tell, for the umpteenth time, how she braved all the elements to go to school – on foot, in the rain, and of course, without shoes (because as we all know, it was better before). Television shows become real tributes to the wisdom and patience of the elders.
But Keirō no Hi is not just a celebration. It is a true ode to respect. And in Japan, respecting your elders is an art. If you too want to give your elders a day worthy of the name, here is how it is done in Japan.
Japanese Traditions for Honoring Elders
Bow to show respect
In Japan, showing respect to elders is a deeply rooted practice, and Keirō no Hi is the pinnacle of this. Among the most well-known traditions is the bowing of the body, called "Ojigi." But be careful, this is not a simple mechanical gesture. In Japan, the more respect you show the person in front of you, the more pronounced your bow. During Keirō no Hi, some people end up almost touching their toes when greeting their elders. It is even said that some grandmothers have developed a real expertise in judging the degree of bowing necessary according to the circumstances.
Gifts
Another fun tradition is giving symbolic gifts, called "fukuzuke," which are lucky items that are said to bring longevity and prosperity. These gifts can range from special teacups to non-slip socks (yes, good grip is often the key to wisdom).
Banquets
In small towns and villages, it is common to hold banquets for the elderly, where traditional dishes are served, often lovingly prepared by the younger generations. These meals are an opportunity for the elders to get together, to talk about the times when things were "much better", and for the younger ones to become aware of the importance of these moments of sharing.
If you also want to give a gift to your grandparents and they are not house elves, here are our tips.
When it comes to celebrating Keirō no Hi, gifts play an important role in the festivities. In Japan, gift-giving is not just a polite gesture, it is a true art, a way to express respect and affection for elders. But be careful, choosing the right gift can sometimes seem like an impossible mission, especially when you know that grandma already has a collection of teacups that could fill a museum!
Flowers are a timeless classic.
Whether it’s a bouquet of chrysanthemums, symbols of longevity and immortality, or more modern floral arrangements, flowers are a sure way to put a smile on the face of the elderly. They bring a touch of beauty and freshness, and since they only last for a short time, they also remind us of the importance of enjoying the present moment – a philosophy deeply rooted in Japanese culture.
Fruits, and more specifically luxury fruits, are also very popular.
And be careful, we're not talking about the simple apple that you slip into a shopping bag. No, in Japan, offering fruit for Keirō no Hi is a big deal! Melons of absolute perfection (and at an astronomical price), bunches of grapes as big as golf balls, or peaches worthy of Renaissance paintings, these fruits are cultivated with extreme care and presented as true treasures of nature. There's nothing like it to show your elders that they deserve the best.
For those who want to add a touch of modernity, technological gifts are increasingly popular.
A tablet with an extra-large screen to facilitate video calls with the grandchildren, a sophisticated pedometer to encourage outdoor walking, or even an electric hot water bottle for winter evenings.
The perfect gift remains, of course, one of our Bonsai Boxes which will allow your elders to learn the art of bonsai while developing wisdom and patience.
Certainly a Bonsai Box Deluxe will be the most popular gift of this September. Absolutely, delivery is free! Of course the promo code KEIRONOHI gives you 15% off our Bonsai Box and Bonsai Box Deluxe until September 21st!
