The third Monday of September every year is “Respect for the Aged Day.” This year, 2026, it falls on September 21st (Monday, a national holiday)

The Origin of Respect for the Aged Day Originally, Respect for the Aged Day began in 1947 (Showa 22) in Nomatani Village, Taka District, Hyogo Prefecture (present-day Taka Town) as “Old Folks’ Day” (“Toshiyori no Hi”). Born from the warm sentiment of “valuing the elderly and building a community that draws on their wisdom and experience,” it later spread across the country and was established as the national holiday “Respect for the Aged Day” in 1966. Though originally fixed on September 15th, it shifted to the third Monday of September in 2003 under the Happy Monday system, becoming a familiar autumn three-day weekend

Reflecting on Daily Life and Gratitude to My Grandmother In the rush of everyday life, there is someone I suddenly pause to appreciate—my grandmother. From my childhood, her unchanging gentle smile, the words she offers in casual conversation, and the warmth of her watching over me. As the years go by, I realize just how profound the journey she has walked and how deep the love she gave me truly are.

“Thank you for everything.”

“Please take care of your health and stay well always.”

As Respect for the Aged Day approaches, I want to gently share these feelings of gratitude that are often hard to put into words day-to-day.

Is there someone special in your life you’d like to say “thank you” to?

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