In Japan, there is a very special day dedicated to honouring older people. It always falls on the third Monday in September and is known as Keiro No Hi – or Respect for the Aged Day.
It’s an official holiday, but it’s not about sitting on the sofa or watching TV. It’s about community. About saying thank you to those who came before us. Across Japan, volunteers hand out bentoboxes to elderly neighbours. Children perform songs and dances. And in Tokyo, the mayorpersonally visits everyone who has turned 100 – not to check up, but simply to say thank you.
It’s a tradition full of both warmth and dignity. And it’s one we’ve chosen to be inspired by. Because when you take inspiration from Japan, as we do, you don’t just borrow flavours – you borrow traditions too. Especially the ones rooted in respect.
Read more about Keiro no Hi
