Respect for the Aged Day Grandparents Assembly Guide
Plan a Respect for the Aged Day assembly in Japan for Class 1-5 students with origami activities, song performances, greetings, and timeline tips.
335 days to go.
The rule: third Monday of September
since 1966 as a national holiday in Japan, originally established in 1947
Respect for the Aged Day is a Japanese national holiday that honors elderly citizens and thanks them for their lifelong contributions to society. It encourages young generations to learn from elders while celebrating their health and longevity.
What schools do on the day, country by country
Primary schools invite grandparents to morning assemblies where students present chorus performances, traditional tea service, and handmade cards.
Classes partner with local senior centers to host storytelling sessions and deliver student drawings and paper gifts.
Japanese overseas schools organize cultural workshops focused on intergenerational respect, traditional games, and origami crafts.
The holiday began in 1947 in Nomotani Village in Hyōgo Prefecture when Mayor Masao Kadowaki instituted Old Folks Day on September 15. The concept quickly gained popularity across the nation and became an official public holiday in 1966. In 2003, Japan adopted the Happy Monday System, moving the official holiday to the third Monday of September.
The tasks this day produces, and the page that helps
Start with square paper and fold neatly along the diagonal lines before writing your message.
Speak clearly and remember to bow respectfully at a thirty-degree angle after speaking.
Use soft pastel colors and leave space at the bottom for a written message.
Walk slowly alongside senior guests and point clearly to seat labels.
Before, on the day, after. Tick as you go.
On the day: Honor the wisdom of our elders today and carry their stories with you always.
Pieces written for this day
What to say on the day, and what to ask the room
敬老の日おめでとうございます。
Keirō no hi omedetō gozaimasu.Happy Respect for the Aged Day.いつもありがとうございます。
Itsumo arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you always for everything you do.Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese national holiday honoring senior citizens.
Longevity or living a long, healthy, and happy life.
The crane, a Japanese symbol of good fortune, peace, and long life.
What to know before the day
- Speak loudly and clearly when talking into the microphone so every grandparent can hear easily.
- Keep walkways clear of school bags so elderly guests can walk safely around the hall.
- Smile warmly and bow politely when handing gifts or program sheets to visiting elders.
- Bow respectfully at a 30-degree angle when welcoming guests to the stage.
- Speak slowly, clearly, and loudly into the microphone so every grandparent in the hall can hear you comfortably.
- Smile directly at the audience members in the front rows to make them feel warm and welcome.
- Keep your body still and hold your speech notes at chest height so your face remains visible.
Worth knowing
- Respect for the Aged Day (Keirō no Hi) is a national public holiday in Japan dedicated to honoring senior citizens and celebrating longevity.
- The holiday originated in 1947 in Nomotani Village, Hyōgo Prefecture, where it was first celebrated as Old Folks Day (Toshiyori no Hi) on September 15.
- It became a national holiday in 1966 and moved to the third Monday of September in 2003 under the Happy Monday System.
- The origami paper crane is a classic Japanese symbol of longevity and good fortune often used in gifts for grandparents.
- Students express gratitude through song performances, handmade drawings, tea service, and heartfelt speeches to foster intergenerational connection.
Why it is on the calendar
Respect for the Aged Day, known in Japan as Keirō no Hi, is a special national holiday dedicated to honoring elderly citizens and celebrating their wisdom and longevity. As primary school students, preparing for this day gives you a wonderful chance to show gratitude to your grandparents, local seniors, and community elders. You can prepare welcome speeches, fold traditional paper cranes, or perform choral songs during your school assembly.
Use this guide to structure your classroom activities and event schedule. You will find step-by-step tasks, timing guidelines, key vocabulary, and traditional Japanese greetings to make your guests feel welcome and cherished.
About this piece
- Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated in Japan on the third Monday of September under the Happy Monday System.
- The holiday originated in 1947 in Nomotani Village, Hyōgo Prefecture, where it was first kept as Old Folks Day.
- It became a nationwide public holiday across Japan in 1966 to celebrate elderly citizens for their contributions and resilience.
- The origami paper crane is a cherished traditional symbol of good health, peace, and long life in Japanese culture.
- Centenarians across Japan traditionally receive recognition and commemorative gifts from national and local governments.
How it is done
- Japan: Schools organize special morning assemblies where primary students sing songs, perform dances, and serve tea to visiting grandparents.
- Japan: Students fold origami cranes and write personal thank-you notes to present directly to local senior citizens.
- World: Japanese international schools hold intergenerational cultural exchange days featuring storytelling and traditional games.