KEIRŌ NO HI
Respect for the aged day - The Japanese way
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 staying 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 bento boxes to elderly neighbours. Children perform songs and dances. And in Tokyo, the mayor personally visits everyone who has turned 100 – not to check up, but simply to say thank you.
It’s a tradition filled with both warmth and dignity. And it’s one we have chosen to be inspired by. Because when you draw inspiration from Japan, as we do, you don’t just borrow flavours – you also borrow traditions. Especially the ones rooted in respect.
IN THE SADDLE FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Everyone deserves to feel the wind in their hair – no matter their age. Because we believe age should lift you up, not weigh you down.
That’s why this year we are supporting Cycling Without Age – a non-profit global initiative with Danish roots that takes elderly people out on bike rides. Both passengers and volunteer pilots tell stories of laughter, joy, and rides down memory lane. And that deserves recognition. So this year, when we celebrate Keiro No Hi on 15th of September, we are inviting both the elderly passengers and the hard-working cycling pilots to a heartfelt lunch.
If you want to make a difference in older people’s lives and gain heart-warming and long-lasting experiences in return, we urge you to donate or become a volunteer for Cycling without age. You can read more and sign up at www.cyklingudenalder.dk.