Does your country have a Mother’s Day? Japan also has Mother’s Day. I vaguely remember Mother’s Day in May…and Father’s Day in June…but every time when the day comes near, I wonder what day it is.
While thinking about this and doing some research, I came across the fact that Mother’s Day used to have a fixed date.
On this page, we will take a look at the origin of Mother’s Day as well as a firm confirmation of this year’s Mother’s Day.
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When is Mother’s Day in Japan? What day is it?
This year, Mother’s Day 2023, will be celebrated on Sunday, May 14.
The date will naturally move, as it is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. For your information, let’s look at the next 10 years from 2023.
| 2023 | May/14 |
| 2024 | May/12 |
| 2025 | May/11 |
| 2026 | May/10 |
| 2027 | May/9 |
| 2028 | May/14 |
| 2029 | May/13 |
| 2030 | May/12 |
| 2031 | May/11 |
| 2032 | May/9 |
It is easy to forget Mother’s Day in the years around May 8 and 9 when you are distracted by Golden Week.
What is the origin of Mother’s Day?
On May 8, 1937, the “Morinaga Mother’s Day Convention” was held at Toshimaen. After this convention, “Mother’s Day” became widespread.
After the war, in July 1948 (Showa 23), the name of Jikkusetsu was changed to Empress’s Birthday. Since then, Mother’s Day has been celebrated on the second Sunday in May, the same as in the United States.
Origin of Mother’s Day in the U.S.
During the American Civil War, there was a woman named Ann Jarvis, who was involved in activities such as advocating “Mother’s Work Days.
Her daughter, Anna Jarvis, held a memorial service for her mother on May 12, 1907, at the church where her mother taught Sunday school, and presented white carnations to the people.
The white carnations were a favorite of my mother, Ann. This is believed to be the beginning of Mother’s Day in the U.S., and the custom of giving carnations and other gifts generally took root.
In 1914, “Mother’s Day” became a U.S. national holiday, and the date was set for the second Sunday in May.
Mother’s Day Around the World
Other countries around the world also have their own Mother’s Days, with varying origins and dates.
However, the second Sunday in May is by far the most common date. Here is a list of countries that observe this day as Mother’s Day
- United States
- Italy
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
- Ecuador
- Australia
- Canada
- Cuba
- Colombia
- Singapore
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Czech Republic
- China
- Chile
- Denmark
- Germany
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- Brazil
- Peru
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- South Africa
- Liechtenstein
Mother’s Day Gifts
Flowers and other gifts will be appreciated, but the most important thing is to express your gratitude to your mother by saying, “Thank you for everything.” and so on, to show your appreciation to your mother.
Conclusion
- Mother’s Day in 2023 will be on Sunday, May 14.
- Following the American tradition, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
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