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【Samurai K】Mother’s Day in Japan ~ A special day to give thanks and affection ~

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I am Japanese. i can’t speak english I can read and write very little.
This article was written using Google Translate.
Please forgive me if there are any typos or misunderstandings.

Mother’s Day is a special day that is celebrated in Japan as well.
In this article, let’s explore the origins and customs of Mother’s Day in Japan, and how to express your gratitude.

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Origin of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in Japan originated from Mother’s Day in America.


It was first celebrated in 1908 by American social activist Anna Jarvis as a day to show her gratitude to her mother.


After that, it spread to Japan and was officially established as “Mother’s Day” in 1942.

I also learned about it when writing this article.

Anna Jarvis is an American woman best known as the founder of Mother’s Day.

She launched her first campaign to celebrate Mother’s Day in 1908 and later worked to make Mother’s Day a national holiday.

Anna Jarvis’s mother wanted her to celebrate her Mother’s Day as her lifelong wish.

Mother’s Day was celebrated differently in different regions as a day of gratitude and respect for her mother, but Anna Jarvis has turned it into a national movement.

Her activism was so successful that in 1914 her Mother’s Day was officially enacted by United States President Woodrow Wilson.

As a result, the second Sunday of May every year became Mother’s Day, and the custom of giving gifts and cards to mothers as a way of expressing their gratitude and affection for their mothers became commonplace.

However, Anna Jarvis was against commercialization and popularization and wanted Mother’s Day to be celebrated as a day of familial bonding rather than a commercial event.

She later denounced the commercialization of Mother’s Day, arguing that the way Mother’s Day is celebrated has deviated from its original meaning.

Anna Jarvis’ work has touched many people by reconfirming the significance of Mother’s Day and providing opportunities to cherish family ties and gratitude to mothers.

Her commitment is reflected in the way we celebrate Mother’s Day today, which is recognized as a special day that strengthens bonds with family and relatives.

I also looked into Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, but if Anna Jarvis’ intention is not to commercialize Mother’s Day, I have doubts about the Mother’s Day we are doing now. Maybe.

Mother’s Day Traditions and Celebrations

Mother’s Day in Japan is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year.

On this day, many children celebrate in various ways to express their gratitude to their mothers.

A common practice is for children to write letters or cards to write their thanks and memories.

It is also common to send flowers and gifts.

Carnations are a staple flower given on Mother’s Day in Japan, and their pink and white flowers represent a mother’s love and virtue.

We also often have meals together as a family.

Sometimes I thank my mother with a meal at a special restaurant, or with a home-cooked meal.

It will be a wonderful time for families to get together and express their gratitude to their mothers.

The day of Mother’s Day is said to be different around the world.

Still, it seems that the custom of giving carnations is common.

In addition, each country seems to have its own way of celebrating, such as sending handmade gifts in France and having a meal with the family in Mexico.

how to express gratitude

Mother’s Day is a special day to express gratitude and love to mothers.


There are many ways to express your gratitude, but here are some ideas.


Create a letter or card: Sending a letter or card to your mother with a thank you note or a reminder is a great way to express your love.


By writing your thoughts, you can convey deeper gratitude and affection.


Giving Flowers and Gifts: Giving carnations or other flowers your mother likes is a traditional way to celebrate Mother’s Day.


Prepare a bouquet or arrangement and give it to your mother.


It’s also a good idea to choose a special gift that your mother will love.


Express your gratitude by choosing something that matches your mother’s tastes and preferences.

I go to buy carnations every year with my son. Flower shops and supermarkets are full of carnations.
How do you dispose of leftover carnations the next day? I’m a little concerned.

Family meals and event planning: On Mother’s Day, the family often eats together.


You can spend a special time by making a reservation at a restaurant that your mother will be happy with, or by cooking a meal with your family and holding a dinner party.


It’s also a great option for family activities and outings.

Make plans for your family to take into account what your mother will enjoy and enjoy.

At home, it’s customary for me and my two children to cook the dishes requested by my wife, and I think this is a very good custom.

Even in Japanese households where men are not allowed to work in the kitchen due to gender inequality, cooking on such occasions will make them feel the charm of cooking and become an opportunity to observe housework.

Giving Time and Help: The most precious gift we can show our appreciation for is your time and help.


It is very helpful to help mothers with housework and childcare so that they can relax and concentrate on their hobbies and interests.


Taking care of the household chores or taking care of the children is a tangible way to show your appreciation to your mother.

At the nursery school that my child attends, there is a day called Mother’s Day Visit, where only the mother can visit, and on that day, the mother and the child interact with each other by doing handicrafts and playing games.

In this way, it is becoming an event in which the community participates rather than an event celebrated by each family.

Mother’s Day is an important day in Japanese culture to show appreciation and affection for mothers.


Show your mom how much you appreciate her by sending letters, flowers, gifts, and spending special time with her family.


Please enjoy this special day, cherishing your thoughts on your mother who is an important person.

Reference article

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