Glorious Past of Japan

Japan always had paternalism. The father had the supreme power. All families lived together and had a system where males alone work. The main principle of Japanese society is ‘age’. Age equals rank in Japan-Japanese bow to show respect to the elders. The extent of the bow depends on the relative seniority of the persons.

Children normally begin to learn ‘bowing’ right from their childhood. Longer and deeper the bow, the stronger the emotions and the respect expressed.

The family takes the responsibility of ‘care giving’ to the elders. Wives and daughters-in-law take the responsibility of giving care to frail and decrepit ‘elderly citizens’.

As the ‘Golden citizens’ are the ‘zoetic treasures’ of the society, Japanese celebrate ‘kiro no hi’ or ‘Respect for the Aged Day’ to honor the Grandparents, the Confucian Value of respecting the ‘Golden citizens.’ This day gives the Japanese communities an opportunity to express love, adoration, respect and admiration for  the ‘Golden Citizens’  and celebrate their longevity, rich wisdom and knowledge of the veterans. This day is a very significant day, as it gives the youth an enlightenment to learn endurance, understanding and to give tribute to the ‘Golden Citizens.’

            Kiro no hi is a Japanese holiday, celebrated annually to honor the Golden Citizens.