What is the origin of "Respect for the Aged Day"? I also want to know the age at which it's celebrated!

Respect for the Aged Day in 2020 is on September 21st. While this holiday is unique to Japan, its origins are surprisingly little known. This time, we will discuss the evolution of Respect for the Aged Day and the question of what age should be celebrated.

There are various theories about why September 15th was originally designated as Respect for the Aged Day, but its origin dates back to 1947 when a rural village in Hyogo Prefecture advocated for "cherishing the elderly and utilizing their wisdom for village development." September 15th, which fell during the off-season for farming, was designated as "Old People's Day," and the initiative to celebrate it throughout the village gradually spread nationwide. The name was also changed from "Old People's Day" to "Respect for the Aged Day," and it later became a national holiday.

Today, due to the introduction of the Happy Monday System, it has been changed to the third Monday of September. The sentiment of honoring and cherishing the wisdom and experience of the elderly has remained the same throughout history. Although the definition of elderly is 65 years old or older according to the Old Age Welfare Act and the WHO, many people over 65 are still youthful and resist being treated as "old." Perhaps for many, the actual guideline for celebrating Respect for the Aged Day is "when you have grandchildren."

Why not celebrate by sending gifts or sharing a home-cooked meal, expressing your daily gratitude and wishes for a long life?