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敬老の日

B1 noun 12 min read

敬老の日

keirou no hi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 敬老の日 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 敬老の日 in your Level:

敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) is a special day in Japan. It is a holiday. People do not go to school or work. It is in September. On this day, we say 'thank you' to old people. Usually, we visit our grandfathers and grandmothers. We give them gifts. We give them flowers or sweets. In Japanese, 'Kei' means respect, 'Rō' means old person, and 'Hi' means day. So it is 'Respect for Old People Day'. It is a happy day. Families eat dinner together. Children draw pictures for their grandparents. It is a very kind holiday. You will see many advertisements in shops for this day. It is always on a Monday. This makes a long weekend for families to travel.

Keirō no Hi is a national holiday in Japan celebrated on the third Monday of September. At this level, you should know that 'shukujitsu' means national holiday. On Keirō no Hi, Japanese people honor the elderly. Many families travel to their hometowns (furusato) to see their grandparents. It is common to give a 'gift' (puresento). Popular gifts are 'wagashi' (Japanese sweets) or 'o-sake'. In some towns, there are small festivals or ceremonies for people over 70 or 80 years old. You might hear the phrase 'Itsumade mo ogenki de', which means 'Please stay healthy forever'. It is an important part of Japanese culture because it shows how much Japan cares about older people. If you are in Japan in September, remember that shops will be busy and some offices will be closed.

At the B1 level, you can understand that 敬老の日 is part of the 'Happy Monday System'. This system moved several holidays to Mondays to create three-day weekends. This holiday specifically honors the elderly for their long-term contributions to society. It's not just about grandparents; it's about all senior citizens. You will notice 'Silver Week' mentioned in the news—this is the period around Keirō no Hi and the Autumnal Equinox. In terms of grammar, you'll see it used with particles like 'に' for timing or 'を' for the object of celebration. For example, '敬老の日を祝う' (to celebrate Respect for the Aged Day). It's also a time when the government releases statistics about the aging population, which is a major topic in Japan. You should be able to discuss your own country's traditions for honoring the elderly using this Japanese vocabulary as a comparison.

敬老の日 reflects Japan's status as a 'super-aged society' (chō-kōreika shakai). For B2 learners, the holiday is an entry point into discussing social welfare (fukushi) and demographic challenges. While the holiday is a time for celebration, it also prompts serious discussions in the media about the sustainability of the pension system (nenkin seido) and the increasing number of centenarians. The holiday was originally established in a small village in Hyogo Prefecture as 'Old Folks Day' (Toshiyori no Hi) before becoming a national holiday. Understanding this history adds depth to your cultural knowledge. You should be comfortable using the term in formal contexts, such as '敬老の日の趣旨に賛同する' (to agree with the purpose of Respect for the Aged Day) or discussing the 'Happy Monday' legislation that changed its date. It is a day where the private celebration of family meets the public discourse on aging.

For C1 learners, 敬老の日 should be analyzed through its sociological and economic impact. The holiday is a significant driver of the 'silver market,' where businesses target the high purchasing power of the elderly and their families. Linguistically, you should master the nuances between '敬老' (respect for the aged), '高齢者' (senior citizens), and '長寿' (longevity). The holiday also intersects with 'Silver Week' logistics, affecting national transport and tourism industries. You might explore the debate regarding the Happy Monday System, as some traditionalists argue that moving the holiday from September 15th diminished its original significance. In a professional or academic setting, you could use this word to discuss 'intergenerational solidarity' (sedai-kan no rentai) and how national holidays serve to reinforce specific cultural values amidst rapid modernization and changing family structures (such as the rise of nuclear families vs. multi-generational households).

At the C2 level, 敬老の日 is viewed as a manifestation of the Confucian ideal of filial piety (kō) adapted into a modern legal framework. You should be able to critique how the holiday's meaning has evolved from a grassroots local initiative to a state-sanctioned day that balances commercial interests with social policy. The discourse surrounding the holiday often touches upon the 'philosophy of aging' and the societal obligation to provide 'ikigai' (a sense of purpose) for the elderly. You should be capable of discussing complex topics such as 'solitary deaths' (kodokushi) in the context of a holiday that ostensibly celebrates community and family connection. Mastery involves not just knowing the word, but understanding the subtle shift in tone when the term is used by a politician versus a marketing executive or a social worker. You can use '敬老の日' as a focal point for an in-depth analysis of Japan's 'Kōreisha Fukushi Hō' (Aged Welfare Act) and its implications for the future of the nation's identity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

敬老の日 in 30 Seconds

A Japanese national holiday held on the third Monday of September to honor the elderly.
Rooted in cultural values of respect and gratitude for the contributions of senior citizens.
Part of the 'Happy Monday' system and often marks the beginning of Silver Week.
Celebrated through family visits, gift-giving, and local community ceremonies across Japan.

敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi) is a significant Japanese national holiday dedicated to honoring elderly citizens, celebrating their longevity, and expressing gratitude for their contributions to society. Established as a national holiday in 1966, it reflects Japan's deep-rooted cultural value of filial piety and respect for one's elders. The holiday is observed annually on the third Monday of September, forming part of the 'Silver Week' holiday period. This timing was adjusted in 2003 as part of the 'Happy Monday System' to create a three-day weekend, though many purists still remember its original date of September 15th. The word itself is composed of 'Kei' (respect), 'Rō' (elderly), and 'Hi' (day). In a country with one of the world's highest life expectancy rates, this day holds immense social importance, serving as a reminder of the demographic shifts and the wisdom held by the older generation.

Etymology and Kanji: The kanji 敬 (kei) means respect or honor, while 老 (rō) refers to old age or the elderly. Together, 敬老 (keirō) encapsulates the act of showing reverence to those who have lived long lives. The addition of の日 (no hi) designates it as a specific day for this purpose.

今年の敬老の日には、祖父母に手紙を書きました。(I wrote a letter to my grandparents for this year's Respect for the Aged Day.)

The celebration often involves family gatherings where younger generations present gifts to their parents and grandparents. Common gifts include 'wagashi' (traditional Japanese sweets), flowers (particularly rindo or gentians), and health-related items. Local communities often organize events such as 'Keirō-kai' where elderly residents are invited to lunch, watch performances by local schoolchildren, and receive commemorative gifts. In the media, you will see reports on Japan's oldest citizens, interviews with centenarians, and discussions about the challenges and benefits of an aging society. It is a day of reflection on the past and a gesture of support for the future of the elderly.

The Happy Monday System: Originally celebrated on September 15th, the holiday was moved to the third Monday of September in 2003. This change was implemented to boost domestic tourism and provide workers with more leisure time by creating a long weekend.

自治体が敬老の日の式典を開催する。(The local government holds a ceremony for Respect for the Aged Day.)

Beyond the family unit, the holiday serves as a platform for discussing social welfare policies. Since Japan is a 'super-aged' society (chō-kōreika shakai), the holiday is frequently mentioned in political contexts regarding pension systems, healthcare, and community support for the elderly living alone. It is not just a commercial holiday like Mother's Day, but a national recognition of a demographic reality. For learners, understanding Keirō no Hi is a gateway into understanding Japanese social structure and the high value placed on longevity and experience.

Silver Week: If Keirō no Hi falls close to the Autumnal Equinox (Shūbun no Hi), the intervening days may become part of a rare long holiday period known as 'Silver Week,' contrasting with the 'Golden Week' in May.

敬老の日は、多年にわたり社会につくしてきた老人を敬愛し、長寿を祝う日です。(Respect for the Aged Day is a day to show respect and affection for the elderly who have contributed to society for many years and to celebrate their longevity.)

デパートでは敬老の日の特設コーナーが設けられている。(Department stores have special sections set up for Respect for the Aged Day.)

Using '敬老の日' in a sentence is straightforward because it functions as a proper noun. However, the context usually revolves around celebration, scheduling, or social observation. It is often paired with particles like 'に' (ni) to indicate the timing of an action, or 'は' (wa) to define the day itself. Because it is a formal holiday name, it is rarely abbreviated in official speech. You will encounter it in family settings, news broadcasts, and workplace scheduling discussions.

Time Marking: Use '敬老の日に' (on Respect for the Aged Day) to describe plans. Example: 敬老の日に孫たちが遊びに来た (The grandchildren came to visit on Respect for the Aged Day).

敬老の日のお祝いに、レストランを予約しました。(I reserved a restaurant for the Respect for the Aged Day celebration.)

In commercial contexts, you will see phrases like '敬老の日ギフト' (Keirō no Hi gift) or '敬老の日キャンペーン' (Keirō no Hi campaign). These are used in advertisements to encourage people to buy presents. In schools, teachers might say, '敬老の日のために、おじいちゃんとおばあちゃんに絵を描きましょう' (Let's draw pictures for your grandfathers and grandmothers for Respect for the Aged Day). The phrase is also used when discussing public holidays and office closures: '月曜日は敬老の日で休みです' (Monday is a holiday for Respect for the Aged Day).

Expressing Purpose: You can use the structure [Holiday] + [のお祝い] to specify the celebration. Example: 敬老の日のお祝いとして、マッサージ機を贈った (I gave a massage machine as a celebration gift for Respect for the Aged Day).

今年の敬老の日は9月18日です。(This year's Respect for the Aged Day is September 18th.)

When speaking to someone about the holiday, it's polite to use honorifics if referring to their family members. For instance, '敬老の日には、ご両親に何かされましたか？' (Did you do anything for your parents on Respect for the Aged Day?). This combines the holiday name with polite verb forms. In formal writing, such as a company newsletter, the term is used to explain company holidays: '弊社は敬老の日のため、休業とさせていただきます' (Our company will be closed due to Respect for the Aged Day).

Combining with Verbs of Giving: Commonly used with 祝う (iwau - to celebrate), 贈る (okuru - to give a gift), and 感謝する (kansha suru - to thank). Example: 敬老の日を家族で祝う (Celebrate Respect for the Aged Day with family).

父は敬老の日に赤いちゃんちゃんこをもらった。(My father received a red 'chanchanko' vest on Respect for the Aged Day - typically for his 60th birthday, but often associated with such celebrations.)

母は敬老の日に孫から電話がかかってくるのを楽しみにしている。(My mother looks forward to receiving a call from her grandchildren on Respect for the Aged Day.)

You will encounter '敬老の日' in several distinct environments across Japan. From late August through mid-September, the word becomes ubiquitous in retail environments. Department stores (depāto) and supermarkets set up large displays with '敬老の日' banners, featuring gift baskets, expensive sake, and traditional crafts. Over the store intercom, you might hear announcements like '敬老の日の贈り物は、ぜひ当店でお選びください' (Please choose your Respect for the Aged Day gifts at our store). This commercial presence is the most common way residents are reminded that the holiday is approaching.

News and Media: Public broadcaster NHK and other news outlets dedicate segments to the holiday. They report on the number of people aged 100 and older in Japan, often interviewing the oldest living person in a specific prefecture. You'll hear phrases like '敬老の日を前に、厚生労働省が発表しました' (Ahead of Respect for the Aged Day, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced...).

テレビで敬老の日の特集番組をやっている。(There is a special program about Respect for the Aged Day on TV.)

In residential neighborhoods, local community centers (kōminkan) use the term in flyers and announcements. These 'Keirō-kai' events are a staple of Japanese community life. You might hear neighbors chatting: '明日の敬老の日の集まり、行く？' (Are you going to the Respect for the Aged gathering tomorrow?). Similarly, schools and kindergartens use the term when preparing students to make crafts for their grandparents. A child might say, '幼稚園で敬老の日のプレゼントを作ったよ' (I made a Respect for the Aged Day present at kindergarten).

Workplace Context: In offices, the word appears on calendars and in schedule planning. Colleagues might discuss their plans for the long weekend: '敬老の日の連休はどうするの？' (What are you doing for the Respect for the Aged Day long weekend?). Because it's a national holiday, it's a standard reference point for anyone planning travel or business deadlines.

駅のポスターに敬老の日のイベント情報が出ていた。(Information about Respect for the Aged Day events was on a poster at the station.)

Finally, in the healthcare and eldercare sectors, '敬老の日' is a major event day. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities hold special celebrations, and the staff will frequently use the term when talking to residents and their families. '敬老の日のお祝い膳をご用意しました' (We have prepared a celebratory meal for Respect for the Aged Day) is a common phrase heard in these settings. It is a day where the professional care of the elderly meets the national recognition of their life's work.

Social Media: On platforms like Instagram and Twitter (X), you'll see hashtags like #敬老の日 with photos of family meals, children's drawings, and gifts. It's a popular time for influencers to share gift recommendations.

SNSで敬老の日のメッセージを送る人が増えている。(More people are sending Respect for the Aged Day messages on social media.)

One of the most common mistakes for learners is confusing '敬老の日' with other holidays or using the wrong word for 'elderly'. For example, some might mistakenly call it '老人の日' (Rōjin no Hi). While 'Rōjin no Hi' actually exists (it is September 15th, the original date of the holiday), it is no longer the official *national holiday* name; it's now a day of awareness, while the third Monday is the public holiday. Using the wrong term can be confusing when discussing day-off schedules.

Terminology Pitfall: Confusing '敬老' (respect for elderly) with '高齢者' (elderly person - demographic term). You wouldn't say '高齢者の日' in a formal context; it must be '敬老の日'.

❌ 昨日は老人の日でお休みでした。(Incorrect for the public holiday)
✅ 昨日は敬老の日でお休みでした。(Correct)

Another mistake is social awkwardness regarding who qualifies as 'elderly'. In modern Japan, many people in their 60s or even early 70s are very active and may feel insulted if treated as 'old' (rōjin). When using the term '敬老の日' with people you don't know well, it's safer to frame it as a day of 'thanks' rather than 'respecting the old'. Forgetting the 'の' (no) is also a common grammatical error; '敬老日' is incorrect. Always treat it as a full compound noun.

The 'Silver Week' Confusion: Learners often assume 'Silver Week' happens every year. In reality, it only occurs when '敬老の日' and '秋分の日' (Autumnal Equinox) align in a specific way with the weekend. Don't promise a long 'Silver Week' holiday every September!

❌ 敬老日おめでとうございます。(Missing 'no')
✅ 敬老の日、おめでとうございます。(Correct)

Lastly, some learners mistake the holiday for 'Grandparents' Day' (Mago no Hi). While similar in spirit, '敬老の日' is a national holiday for all elderly people, whereas 'Mago no Hi' (Grandchildren's Day) is a commercial observance in October. Similarly, 'Father's Day' (Chichi no Hi) and 'Mother's Day' (Haha no Hi) are separate. Don't assume the same customs apply; Keirō no Hi has a more communal and formal tone than the Western-style parental holidays.

Pronunciation Error: Mistaking 'Keirō' (Respect for Aged) for 'Keirō' (different kanji/meaning) or 'Keirō' (Path/Route - 経路). Ensure the 'rō' is long (o-u) and clear.

❌ 経路の日 (Keiro no Hi - Path Day)
✅ 敬老の日 (Keirō no Hi - Respect for Aged Day)

There are several terms related to '敬老の日' that learners should distinguish. While '敬老の日' is the official name of the holiday, you will hear other words depending on whether the speaker is being technical, casual, or focused on a specific family member. Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right word for the right social situation.

老人の日 (Rōjin no Hi): This refers specifically to September 15th. While no longer the public holiday, it remains a day designated by the Act on Social Welfare for the Elderly to promote awareness. It is followed by 'Elderly Welfare Week'.
長寿祝い (Chōju-iwai): This is a general term for celebrating longevity. It includes specific milestones like 'Kanreki' (60th), 'Koki' (70th), and 'Beiju' (88th). Keirō no Hi is an annual event, while Chōju-iwai are life-milestone events.

敬老の日と長寿のお祝いは、どちらも祖父母への感謝を表す行事です。(Both Respect for the Aged Day and longevity celebrations are events to express gratitude to grandparents.)

In casual conversation, you might simply say 'おじいちゃん・おばあちゃんの日' (Grandpa/Grandma Day), although this isn't an official name. If you are talking about the holiday period, 'シルバーウィーク' (Silver Week) is the common term used for the string of holidays in September. If you want to sound more academic or administrative, you might use '高齢者福祉' (Kōreisha Fukushi - Elderly Welfare), which is the broader field Keirō no Hi falls under.

シルバー (Silver): In Japan, 'silver' is frequently used as a polite prefix for things related to the elderly, such as 'silver seats' (priority seating on trains) or 'silver human resource centers'. This is why the September holiday period is called Silver Week.

祖父の米寿の祝いを敬老の日に合わせて行いました。(We held my grandfather's 88th birthday celebration to coincide with Respect for the Aged Day.)

When writing a card, instead of just the holiday name, people often use phrases like 'いつまでもお元気で' (Please stay healthy forever) or '長生きしてください' (Please live a long life). These are the functional alternatives to saying 'Happy Respect for the Aged Day'. In administrative contexts, you might see '高齢者' (Kōreisha) used to define the demographic, while '敬老' (Keirō) is used for the spirit of the event. Understanding these distinctions ensures you use the most culturally appropriate term for your audience.

Comparing Terms

敬老の日: The official national holiday.
老人の日: The specific date Sep 15 (awareness day).
シルバーウィーク: The holiday season in September.
長寿 (Chōju): Longevity (the state being celebrated).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Before it became a national holiday in 1966, it was called 'Toshiyori no Hi' (Old Folks Day) and then 'Rōjin no Hi' (Elderly Day). The name 'Keirō no Hi' was chosen to sound more respectful and inclusive.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /keɪ.rɔː noʊ hiː/

US /keɪ.roʊ noʊ hi/

The primary stress is on the 'rō' syllable of Keirō.

Rhymes With

Seirō (clear weather) Meirō (cheerful) Teirō (low-rise building) Heirō (prison) Gai-no-hi (outside day) Ai-no-hi (love day) Mai-no-hi (every day - partial) Tai-no-hi (day of the sea - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Keiro' with a short 'o' (sounds like 'path'). It must be 'Keirō' (long 'o').
Pronouncing 'Hi' as 'high' instead of 'he'.
Merging 'Kei' and 'rō' into one sound; they are two distinct morae.
Dropping the 'no' particle.
Pronouncing 'Kei' as 'kee' instead of 'kay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Kanji are common but require knowledge of 'Kei' and 'Rō'.

Writing 4/5

Writing '敬' (respect) can be tricky for beginners due to stroke count.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the long 'o' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very distinct and frequently repeated in September.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

老人 (Old person) 日 (Day) 祝日 (Holiday) 尊敬 (Respect) 祖父母 (Grandparents)

Learn Next

秋分の日 (Autumnal Equinox) 勤労感謝の日 (Labor Thanksgiving Day) 高齢化社会 (Aging society) 福祉 (Welfare) 還暦 (60th birthday)

Advanced

儒教 (Confucianism) 親孝行 (Filial piety) 少子高齢化 (Declining birthrate and aging population) 国民の祝日に関する法律 (National Holiday Act)

Grammar to Know

National Holiday Naming

Holidays often end in '〜の日' (e.g., 海の日, 山の日).

The 'Happy Monday' System

Holidays like 敬老の日 move to the 3rd Monday.

Honorifics (Keigo)

Using 'ご両親' or 'お祖父様' when talking about others' elders.

Giving and Receiving (Ageru/Morau)

祖母にプレゼントをあげる。

Compound Noun Formation

Combining 敬老 + の + 日.

Examples by Level

今日は敬老の日です。

Today is Respect for the Aged Day.

Simple A is B structure using 'desu'.

敬老の日に祖母に会います。

I will meet my grandmother on Respect for the Aged Day.

Particle 'ni' indicates the day the action happens.

これは敬老の日のプレゼントです。

This is a Respect for the Aged Day present.

Possessive 'no' links the holiday to the object.

敬老の日は休みです。

Respect for the Aged Day is a holiday (day off).

'Yasumi' means holiday or break.

敬老の日に花を買いました。

I bought flowers on Respect for the Aged Day.

Past tense 'kaimashita'.

おじいちゃん、敬老の日おめでとう。

Grandpa, happy Respect for the Aged Day.

'Omedetō' is used for congratulations.

敬老の日は月曜日です。

Respect for the Aged Day is Monday.

Specifying the day of the week.

家族で敬老の日を祝います。

We celebrate Respect for the Aged Day as a family.

Particle 'de' indicates the group/means.

敬老の日は、お年寄りを大切にする日です。

Respect for the Aged Day is a day to cherish the elderly.

'Taisetsu ni suru' means to cherish or take care of.

敬老の日のために手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter for Respect for the Aged Day.

'~no tame ni' means 'for the sake of'.

デパートで敬老の日のセールがあります。

There is a Respect for the Aged Day sale at the department store.

'~de ~ga arimasu' indicates an event at a location.

敬老の日のプレゼントに何がいいですか？

What is good for a Respect for the Aged Day present?

Asking for suggestions.

敬老の日は毎年9月にあります。

Respect for the Aged Day is in September every year.

'Maitoshi' means every year.

敬老の日には赤い花がよく売れます。

Red flowers sell well on Respect for the Aged Day.

'Ureru' is the intransitive verb 'to sell'.

祖父は敬老の日をとても楽しみにしています。

My grandfather is looking forward to Respect for the Aged Day very much.

'~wo tanoshimi ni shite imasu' means to look forward to.

敬老の日に、みんなでおいしいものを食べました。

We all ate delicious food on Respect for the Aged Day.

'Minna de' means 'all together'.

敬老の日はハッピーマンデー制度で月曜日になりました。

Respect for the Aged Day became a Monday due to the Happy Monday System.

Explaining the reason with the particle 'de'.

敬老の日をきっかけに、健康について話し合いました。

Taking Respect for the Aged Day as an opportunity, we discussed health.

'~wo kikkake ni' means 'using as an opportunity/trigger'.

多くの自治体が敬老の日に式典を開催します。

Many local governments hold ceremonies on Respect for the Aged Day.

'Jichitai' means local government.

敬老の日の贈り物は、気持ちが一番大切です。

As for Respect for the Aged Day gifts, the feeling is most important.

'Kimochi' refers to one's feelings/intentions.

敬老の日は、長年社会に貢献してきた人を敬う日です。

Respect for the Aged Day is a day to respect those who have contributed to society for many years.

'Kōken' means contribution; 'uyamau' means to respect.

今年の敬老の日は、シルバーウィークの始まりです。

This year's Respect for the Aged Day is the start of Silver Week.

'Hajimari' means start/beginning.

敬老の日にメッセージカードを添えてお菓子を送った。

I sent sweets along with a message card on Respect for the Aged Day.

'~wo soete' means 'adding/attaching'.

敬老の日には、高齢者の交通事故防止キャンペーンも行われます。

On Respect for the Aged Day, traffic accident prevention campaigns for the elderly are also held.

'Bōshi' means prevention.

敬老の日を祝う習慣は、兵庫県の小さな村から始まりました。

The custom of celebrating Respect for the Aged Day began in a small village in Hyogo Prefecture.

Historical origin explanation.

敬老の日になると、日本の高齢化社会の現状がニュースで報じられる。

When Respect for the Aged Day comes, the current state of Japan's aging society is reported in the news.

'~to naru to' indicates a natural consequence/timing.

敬老の日の意義を再確認し、世代間の交流を深めるべきだ。

We should reconfirm the significance of Respect for the Aged Day and deepen intergenerational exchange.

'~beki da' expresses obligation or strong suggestion.

敬老の日に合わせて、高齢者向けの新しいサービスが発表された。

Coinciding with Respect for the Aged Day, new services for the elderly were announced.

'~ni awasete' means 'in conjunction with'.

敬老の日は単なる休日ではなく、感謝を形にする大切な機会です。

Respect for the Aged Day is not just a holiday, but an important opportunity to give form to gratitude.

'Tannaru ~ dewa naku' means 'not merely ~'.

政府は敬老の日に際して、百歳以上の高齢者に祝状を贈呈する。

On the occasion of Respect for the Aged Day, the government presents certificates of celebration to those over 100 years old.

'~ni saishite' means 'on the occasion of'.

敬老の日のギフト市場は、年々多様化しています。

The gift market for Respect for the Aged Day is diversifying year by year.

'Tayōka' means diversification.

敬老の日を楽しみつつも、将来の社会保障について考える。

While enjoying Respect for the Aged Day, I also think about future social security.

'~tsutsu mo' means 'while doing (simultaneously)'.

敬老の日の制定背景には、戦後の混乱期における高齢者の知恵への敬意があった。

Behind the establishment of Respect for the Aged Day was respect for the wisdom of the elderly during the post-war period of turmoil.

'Seitei haikei' means 'background of enactment'.

少子高齢化が進む中、敬老の日の在り方も問われ始めている。

As the birthrate declines and the population ages, the way Respect for the Aged Day should be is being questioned.

'~no arikata' refers to 'the way something ought to be'.

敬老の日の経済波及効果は、旅行業界や飲食業界にとって無視できない規模だ。

The economic ripple effect of Respect for the Aged Day is of a scale that the travel and restaurant industries cannot ignore.

'Keizai hakyū kōka' means 'economic ripple effect'.

敬老の日を巡る議論には、祝日の移動が伝統を損なうという意見も根強い。

In the discussions surrounding Respect for the Aged Day, the opinion that moving the holiday damages tradition remains deep-seated.

'~wo meguru' means 'concerning/surrounding'.

敬老の日の行事は、地域コミュニティの希薄化を防ぐ役割も果たしている。

Respect for the Aged Day events also play a role in preventing the weakening of regional communities.

'Kihakuka' means 'dilution' or 'weakening' of social ties.

長寿大国日本において、敬老の日は国民のアイデンティティの一部となっている。

In Japan, a nation of longevity, Respect for the Aged Day has become a part of the national identity.

'Chōju taikoku' means 'great nation of longevity'.

敬老の日に贈られる銀杯の基準が、高齢者人口の急増により変更された経緯がある。

There is a history where the criteria for silver cups given on Respect for the Aged Day were changed due to the rapid increase in the elderly population.

'Keii' means 'background/circumstances'.

敬老の日を通じて、我々は「老い」という普遍的なテーマに向き合うことになる。

Through Respect for the Aged Day, we come to face the universal theme of 'aging'.

'~ni mukiau' means 'to face/confront'.

敬老の日という制度的枠組みは、儒教的道徳観を近代国家の祝日として再構築したものである。

The institutional framework of Respect for the Aged Day is a reconstruction of Confucian moral values as a modern state holiday.

'Seidoteki wakugumi' means 'institutional framework'.

シルバーウィークの大型連休化は、敬老の日の本来の趣旨を消費主義へと変質させたという批判もある。

There is criticism that making Silver Week a long holiday period has altered the original intent of Respect for the Aged Day into consumerism.

'Henshitsu' means 'degeneration' or 'alteration of quality'.

敬老の日の式典が形式化する一方で、孤独死などの社会問題との乖離が浮き彫りになっている。

While Respect for the Aged Day ceremonies become stylized, the discrepancy with social issues like solitary deaths is being highlighted.

'Kairi' means 'discrepancy' or 'estrangement'.

敬老の日を契機として、エイジズム（年齢差別）の払拭に向けた社会的な合意形成が求められる。

Taking Respect for the Aged Day as an opportunity, social consensus building toward the elimination of ageism is required.

'Fusshoku' means 'wiping out' or 'eradicating'.

祝日法の改正により、敬老の日が流動的な日付となったことは、季節感の変容をもたらした。

The fact that Respect for the Aged Day became a fluid date due to the revision of the National Holiday Act brought about a transformation in the sense of seasons.

'Ryūdōteki' means 'fluid' or 'volatile'.

敬老の日の言説を分析すると、国家が期待する「理想的な高齢者像」が透けて見える。

Analyzing the discourse of Respect for the Aged Day reveals the 'ideal image of the elderly' expected by the state.

'Gensetsu' means 'discourse'.

人口構造の激変に伴い、敬老の日を維持することの政治的・経済的コストが議論の遡上に載っている。

With the drastic change in population structure, the political and economic costs of maintaining Respect for the Aged Day are on the table for discussion.

'Giron no sojō ni noru' means 'to be brought up for discussion'.

敬老の日は、長寿を個人的な慶事から国民的な祝祭へと昇華させる装置として機能している。

Respect for the Aged Day functions as a device to sublimate longevity from a personal happy event into a national festival.

Complex sociological terminology.

Common Collocations

敬老の日を祝う

敬老の日のプレゼント

敬老の日のお祝い

敬老の日ギフト

敬老の日の集い

敬老の日の連休

敬老の日のメッセージ

敬老の日の式典

敬老の日キャンペーン

敬老の日のお祝い膳

Common Phrases

いつまでもお元気で

— Please stay healthy forever. A standard wish written to elders.

敬老の日のカードに「いつまでもお元気で」と書いた。

長生きしてください

— Please live a long life. A common expression of respect.

おばあちゃん、長生きしてくださいね。

日頃の感謝を込めて

— With daily gratitude. Used when giving the gift.

日頃の感謝を込めて、敬老の日のプレゼントを贈ります。

シルバーウィーク

— The holiday period including Keirō no Hi.

今年のシルバーウィークは5連休だ。

多年にわたり社会につくしてきた

— Having contributed to society for many years. Formal holiday definition.

敬老の日は、多年にわたり社会につくしてきた方を敬う日です。

三世代で祝う

— Celebrating with three generations (grandparents, parents, children).

敬老の日を三世代で祝う家族が多い。

長寿の象徴

— Symbol of longevity (e.g., cranes, turtles).

鶴は長寿の象徴として敬老の日に好まれます。

第二の人生

— Second life (retirement). Often discussed on this day.

敬老の日を機に、第二の人生を謳歌してほしい。

肩たたき券

— Shoulder massage coupon. A classic handmade gift from kids.

子供が敬老の日に肩たたき券をくれた。

敬老の精神

— Spirit of respecting the aged.

敬老の精神を大切にする社会。

Often Confused With

敬老の日 vs 老人の日

Rōjin no Hi is specifically Sept 15th, not the moving public holiday.

敬老の日 vs シルバーウィーク

Silver Week is the whole holiday period, not just the single day.

敬老の日 vs 孫の日

Mago no Hi (Grandchildren's Day) is in October and honors the young.

Idioms & Expressions

"亀の甲より年の功"

— Wisdom comes with age (literally: age's merit over a turtle's shell).

おじいちゃんの助言はまさに亀の甲より年の功だ。

Proverb

"老いては子に従え"

— When you are old, obey your children. Suggests a shift in family dynamics.

敬老の日だが、父は「老いては子に従え」と言って私の勧めに従った。

Proverb

"老少不定"

— Death comes to young and old alike (life is unpredictable).

老少不定というが、敬老の日には長寿を願いたい。

Literary

"老いたる馬は道を忘れず"

— An old horse knows the way (experience matters).

敬老の日に、彼の経験を頼りにプロジェクトを進めることにした。

Proverb

"鶴は千年亀は万年"

— Cranes live for 1000 years, turtles for 10,000 (wish for longevity).

敬老の日の色紙に「鶴は千年亀は万年」と記す。

Auspicious Phrase

"枯れ木も山のにぎわい"

— Even a dead tree adds to the mountain's bustle (everyone has value).

敬老会で「枯れ木も山のにぎわい」と謙遜するお年寄りがいた。

Humble/Idiom

"老いてますます盛ん"

— Getting more vigorous with age.

祖父は80歳だが、老いてますます盛んにゴルフを楽しんでいる。

Idiom

"白髪三千丈"

— Exaggerated grief or white hair (literary/dramatic).

敬老の日に白髪の美しさを褒める。

Literary

"老を養う"

— To support the elderly or take care of oneself in old age.

敬老の日は、老を養う家族を労う日でもある。

Formal

"松樹千年翠"

— The pine tree is green for a thousand years (symbol of unchanging longevity).

敬老の日の掛け軸にふさわしい言葉だ。

Zen/Auspicious

Easily Confused

敬老の日 vs 高齢者

Both refer to old people.

Kōreisha is a demographic term (senior citizen); Keirō is the act of respecting them.

高齢者の人口が増えているが、敬老の日の精神は変わらない。

敬老の日 vs 長寿

Both relate to old age.

Chōju means 'longevity' itself; Keirō no Hi is the day to celebrate it.

長寿をお祝いするために敬老の日がある。

敬老の日 vs 秋分の日

Both are in September.

Shūbun no Hi is the Autumnal Equinox; Keirō no Hi is Respect for the Aged.

敬老の日と秋分の日で連休になる。

敬老の日 vs 敬意

Same first kanji.

Keii is 'respect' (the feeling); Keirō is 'respecting the elderly' (the specific target).

お年寄りに敬意を払うのが敬老の日だ。

敬老の日 vs 経路

Sounds identical if the long vowel is missed.

Keiro means 'route' or 'path'.

バスの経路を確認する。

Sentence Patterns

今日は[Holiday]です。

今日は敬老の日です。

[Holiday]に[Person]に[Gift]をあげます。

敬老の日におばあちゃんに花をあげます。

[Holiday]をきっかけに[Action]。

敬老の日をきっかけに電話をかけた。

[Holiday]は[Demographic]を敬うための日だ。

敬老の日は高齢者を敬うための日だ。

[Holiday]の意義は[Noun]にある。

敬老の日の意義は世代間交流にある。

[Holiday]という枠組みにおいて[Topic]を考察する。

敬老の日という枠組みにおいて福祉を考察する。

[Holiday]のお祝いとして[Noun]を贈る。

敬老の日のお祝いとしてお菓子を贈る。

[Holiday]は[Month]の第[Number]月曜日です。

敬老の日は9月の第3月曜日です。

Word Family

Nouns

敬老 (Respect for aged)

老人 (Old person)

高齢者 (Senior citizen)

長寿 (Longevity)

祝日 (Holiday)

Verbs

敬う (To respect)

祝う (To celebrate)

老いる (To age)

老ける (To look old)

Adjectives

老いぼれた (Decrepit - negative)

老練な (Experienced/Skillful)

高齢の (Aged)

シルバーウィーク (Silver Week)

秋分の日 (Autumnal Equinox)

年金 (Pension)

介護 (Nursing care)

孫 (Grandchild)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in September, low otherwise.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Rōjin no Hi' for the holiday. → Keirō no Hi
Rōjin no Hi is the fixed date (Sept 15), but Keirō no Hi is the actual national holiday on Monday.
Saying 'Keiro no Hi' (short o). → Keirō no Hi
Short 'o' makes it sound like 'route' or 'path'.
Giving a potted plant. → Cut flowers (Hanataba).
Potted plants are avoided for the elderly/sick because 'rooting' (netsuku) sounds like 'bedridden' (netsuku).
Forgetting the 'no' in the middle. → Keirō no Hi
In Japanese, holiday names with 'no' require it for grammatical correctness.
Assuming it's always Sept 15. → Third Monday of September.
The date has been flexible since 2003.

Tips

Visit in Person

While a phone call is nice, visiting in person (kisei) is considered the highest form of respect on this day in Japan.

Use Honorifics

When talking to elders, use 'O-jiichan' or 'O-baachan' with the polite 'O' prefix to match the respectful atmosphere of the holiday.

Health First

Gifts that promote health, like massage tools or organic foods, are highly appreciated as they show you care about their longevity.

Book Early

Because of the long weekend, trains and hotels fill up fast. If you plan to travel during Keirō no Hi, book weeks in advance.

Handwritten Notes

A handwritten card (tegami) is often valued more than an expensive gift. It shows the time and effort you put into the relationship.

Community Events

Look for 'Keirō-kai' events in your local park or community center; they are great places to observe Japanese social dynamics.

Special Menus

Many restaurants offer 'Keirō no Hi' special set menus (gozen) which are often healthier and use seasonal autumn ingredients.

The Hyogo Origin

Knowing that the holiday started in Nomadani village in 1947 is a great trivia point to impress your Japanese friends.

Compound Nouns

Treat 'Keirō no Hi' as a single unit. Don't try to pluralize it or change the 'no' particle.

Beyond Family

Remember that the holiday is for *all* elderly. Even a small bow or helping an elderly neighbor can embody the spirit of the day.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'K' for Kind, 'E' for Elderly, 'I' for Important. 'Rō' sounds like 'Row'—they've rowed through the long river of life. Keirō = Kind Elderly Rowed.

Visual Association

Imagine a silver-haired couple sitting on a bench under a September moon, receiving a bunch of purple flowers from a child.

Word Web

Elderly Respect September Monday Holiday Grandparents Longevity Silver

Challenge

Try to find the date of the next Keirō no Hi on a Japanese calendar and write a short message in Japanese to an elderly person you know.

Word Origin

The holiday originated from 'Toshiyori no Hi' (Old Folks Day) started in 1947 by the mayor of Nomadani Village in Hyogo Prefecture. He chose September 15th because the weather was pleasant and it was a quiet time for farmers. The popularity of the local celebration spread across the prefecture and eventually the nation.

Original meaning: A day for the youth to ask for advice from the elders and for the community to thank them for their wisdom in rebuilding after the war.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) roots for 'Keirō' combined with native Japanese 'no hi'.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to imply someone is 'too old' when using the word; focus on 'respect' and 'gratitude' rather than the 'aging' process itself.

Similar to Grandparents' Day in the US/UK, but Keirō no Hi is a much more formal national holiday with office closures.

NHK Special on Centenarians Silver Week travel rush Kane Tanaka (long-lived person often featured)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family Planning

実家に帰る
食事に行く
電話をかける
孫を連れて行く

Shopping

ギフトを探す
ラッピングをお願いする
配送予約
人気ランキング

News/Media

長寿番付
最高齢
人口推計
お祝い状

Workplace

三連休
休業のお知らせ
振替休日
スケジュール調整

School/Education

似顔絵を描く
肩たたき券を作る
お遊戯会
作文

Conversation Starters

"敬老の日には、何か特別なことをする予定はありますか？"

"最近の敬老の日のプレゼントは、何が人気なのでしょうか？"

"おじいさんやおばあさんは、敬老の日をどう過ごされますか？"

"あなたの国にも、敬老の日のようなお年寄りを敬う日はありますか？"

"シルバーウィークの連休は、どこかへ出かけますか？"

Journal Prompts

今年の敬老の日に、祖父母（または身近なお年寄り）に伝えた感謝の気持ちを書いてください。

もしあなたが敬老の日のイベントを企画するなら、どんなことをしたいですか？

日本の「敬老の日」とあなたの国の文化を比較して、お年寄りへの接し方の違いを述べてください。

「長生きすること」の素晴らしさと大変さについて、敬老の日を機に考えてみましょう。

敬老の日に贈ったプレゼントとその時の反応について詳しく書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is celebrated on the third Monday of September every year. This means the date changes. For example, in 2023 it was Sept 18, and in 2024 it is Sept 16.

Yes, it is a national holiday (shukujitsu), so schools, government offices, and many companies are closed. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a holiday.

There is no strict rule, but generally people 65 and older are considered targets. However, many people now wait until 70 or 'Kanreki' (60) to start formal celebrations.

Popular gifts include high-quality wagashi (sweets), sake, flowers (rindo), health products, or dinner at a nice restaurant. Handmade items from grandchildren are also very common.

It is similar but broader. While people mostly celebrate their own grandparents, the holiday is intended to honor all elderly citizens in society.

The term 'Silver' is used in Japan to refer to the elderly (like gray hair). Since Keirō no Hi is the main holiday in this autumn period, it became known as Silver Week, similar to Golden Week in May.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare releases population data, and the Prime Minister often sends congratulatory messages to centenarians.

In Japanese, you say 'Keirō no Hi omedetō gozaimasu'. It's a very polite and common way to greet elders on this day.

Yes, Sept 15 is still technically 'Rōjin no Hi' (Old People's Day), but it is no longer the public holiday. Some people still prefer the original date for traditional reasons.

Avoid flowers associated with funerals (like lilies) or plants in pots (which imply 'rooting' or staying in a hospital bed). Stick to cut flowers or food.