Celebrating Father’s Day in Japan
- Narelle Katsumoto
- 4 日前
- 読了時間: 3分
Father’s Day in Japan
If you’re traveling in Japan in June and notice fancy cuts of beef, sleek sake bottles, and heartfelt greeting cards filling store displays, you’ve likely stumbled upon Father’s Day in Japan, known locally as 父の日 (Chichi no Hi). Celebrated on the third Sunday of June, this day is a special occasion to honor fathers and father figures across the country—with a uniquely Japanese twist.
Familiar Yet Unique: What Makes It “Japanese”?
Much like in many countries, Father’s Day in Japan is a time to show appreciation and love for dads. But while the core sentiment is shared globally, the way it’s celebrated in Japan reflects both cultural nuances and consumer trends.
First of all, the term “Chichi no Hi” uses the word chichi (父), which is specifically used when referring to one’s own father. You might also hear otousan (お父さん), papa, or even oyaji—depending on the family and the level of formality.
Father’s Day isn’t as widely celebrated in Japan as Mother’s Day, which has deeper roots tied to Japan’s imperial history. Still, Father’s Day has been gradually gaining traction—especially since the 1980s when Men’s Japan Fashion Association teamed up with department stores to promote it. (Yes, marketing wins again!)
A Quick Look Back: How Father’s Day Started
Father’s Day didn’t begin in Japan. It actually traces back to the early 1900s in the United States, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father—a Civil War veteran who raised her and her siblings alone after their mother’s death. With the support of her community, the first Father’s Day was held on June 19, 1910.
The idea gradually spread and, after gaining support from several U.S. presidents, it became a national holiday in 1972. Japan picked up the idea in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it caught on more widely—again, thanks to that marketing push. Since then, it’s evolved into a celebration filled with popular gift-giving traditions.
So, How Do People Celebrate?
Unlike in the U.S. where spending quality time together is common, Japan’s Father’s Day is centered mostly around gift-giving. Think of it as a delicious display of love, often involving premium food and drink.
Here are some of the most popular gifts:
Wagyu beef – The melt-in-your-mouth Japanese steak is considered a luxury. Top brands like Kobe, Matsuzaka, and Yonezawa are prized for their rich marbling (shimofuri).
Sake and shochu – Local Japanese alcohol is always a hit. Many shops even offer customized labels with the recipient’s name or a heartfelt message.
Fashion items and sporting goods – Dads with hobbies or a sense of style might receive a sleek new accessory or gear.
Sweets – Because even dads need dessert.
Handmade thank-you notes or greeting cards – These personal touches often mean more than expensive gifts, even if they’re paired with wagyu.
And for the sentimentalists, some children go the extra mile by giving flowers or folding thoughtful origami creations.
What Do Japanese Dads Actually Want?
Interestingly, while families often lean toward luxurious gifts, studies and surveys suggest that many Japanese dads would prefer simpler, heartfelt gestures—like a meaningful note or some quality time with their kids. Despite the commercial push, gratitude remains at the heart of the celebration.
Final Thoughts
If you're in Japan around mid-June, take a moment to enjoy the warm, quiet charm of Father’s Day in Japan. Whether you see a family dining out over wagyu steak or spot carefully wrapped sake bottles in a department store, you're witnessing a day that—while modest compared to other holidays—carries a sincere message: Thank you, Dad.
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