Respect for the Aged Day and Memories of My Grandmother

September 15, Japan celebrates “Respect for the Aged Day” (敬老の日, Keirō no Hi). It’s a national holiday to honor the older generation — recognizing their contributions to society and celebrating their longevity.

The letter in the photo is the one I received from my grandmother thanking me for the gift I sent her when she turned 100 years old. She passed away two years ago at the age of 107 — yes, she was a tough lady!

I have so many wonderful memories with her from my childhood. She used to tell me old Japanese myths until I fell asleep. She also shared endless stories — from her crazy experiences during the war to the times when she and my grandfather tried their hands at multiple businesses. Through her words, I learned not only about history but also about resilience and perseverance.

She also had such a lively personality. She would get emotional watching sumo on TV, yelling and cheering with such passion. Or she would comment on every news story with lots of emotion, always making her presence felt in the room. Those moments showed her warmth and enthusiasm for life.

And she was physically tough, too. She kept most of her own teeth and never needed dentures — even in her later years. I can still picture her cracking open gingko nutshells (as hard as hazelnuts!) with her teeth, which amazed me every time.

Even now, I often wonder what she would think if she saw me complaining or giving up when things get tough. The thought makes me feel humbled — and reminds me of her resilience.

I miss you, Grandma. Thank you for all the wisdom you shared with me and the sweet memories I’ll always cherish.