Respect for the Aged Day

Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi) is a public holiday in Japan celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens. It started in 1966 as a national holiday and was held on every September 15. Since 2003, Respect for the Aged Day is held on the third Monday of September due to the Happy Monday System. This holiday is a time for people to return home to visit and pay respect to the elders. Some people volunteer in neighborhoods by making and distributing free lunch boxes to older citizens. Entertainment is sometimes provided by teenagers and commemorative silver sake cups are given to those who reach the age of 100. It is a meaningful holiday for everyone to show appreciation and respect for the elderly citizens of Japan.