Respect for the Aged Day
 
 

Every third Monday of September, the people of Japan honor their elderly citizens by celebrating a very special holiday known as "Respect for the Aged Day."

This holiday is an opportunity for communities to pay tribute to their elderly citizens.
 
 

While the United States currently has the greatest number of centenarians in the world (55,000 people, partly due to America's large population), Japan is second, with 25,000. Many experts attribute this to the Japanese diet, which is particularly low in fats. Japanese centenarians receive a silver cup and a certificate from the Prime Minister of Japan upon their 100th birthday, honoring them for their longevity and prosperity in their lives.

As reported in the September 15, 2007 issue of The Japan Times Online, the number of Japanese aged 100 years or older is expected to top 30,000 by the end of September, 2007 for the first time since record-keeping began in 1963, according to a health ministry survey. Women continue to make up the vast majority of centenarians, accounting for 85.7 percent. The oldest male is 112 and the oldest woman is 113.

A national holiday since 1966, "Respect for the Aged Day" used to be held on September 15th. In 2000, Japan implemented the "Happy Monday System," when several of Japan's national holidays were moved to Monday. Since 2003, "Respect for the Aged Day" has been held on the third Monday of September. This year, it was celebrated on September 17th.

On this special day in Japan, people show respect to long-time contributors to society, celebrate their longevity and pray for their health. Cultural programs and athletic events spotlighting the elderly are held in the community. The Tokyo metropolitan government usually holds a ceremony to honor the elders and often sponsor local events. The governor of Tokyo visits centenarians and presents them with commemorative gifts. In schools, children draw pictures and use arts and crafts to make gifts for their grandparents or other elderly residents in their community.

Japan's society is graying at a rapid pace, and "Respect for the Aged Day" will be an increasingly important day in the years to come.

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