The Japanese treat the elderly with respect.

In japan when you great someone you would bow, when

you are greeting someone who is older than you, you would bow even lower (and no I don't mean the
older the person is the lower you bow). Taking that into consideration, along with my common
knowledge of Japan, elders are treated with respect and kindness. -----
-
Now all that being said, you still have to remember that it depends on the person as well, if the person
who is talking to the elderly person is normally rude to others, then there's a chance he will be rude to
the elderly as well (people are people, it doesn't matter where you live). The Japanese also have several
rude words meaning old lady, old man, hag etc. But of course most languages do.-----
-
To sum it all up, yes the Japanese do treat the elderly with more respect that people in America or
Canada may, but you also have to take into consideration that the Japanese language itself is a much
more polite language, and the Japanese have a much more polite way of living

http://www.answers.com/Q/How_do_the_Japanese_treat_their_elderly
Respect for the Aged Day 2013
Respect for the Aged Day / Keiro no Hi
Respect for the Aged Day or Keiro no Hi is one of many public holidays observed every year in
Japan. The purpose of Respect for the Aged Day celebration is to honor every elderly citizen in
the country. Japanese people celebrate the day on the third Monday of September every year.

When is Respect for the Aged Day 2013?

Respect for the Aged Day 2013 falls on Monday, 16 September 2013.

When is Respect for the Aged Day 2014?

Respect for the Aged Day 2014 falls on Monday, 15 September 2014.

The Origin of Respect for the Aged Day

Background of Respect for the Aged Day dates back to the year 1947 when a town in Hyogo
Prefecture declared 15 September as the Old Folks Day or Toshiyori no Hi. The idea spread
rapidly throughout Japan so that in 1966, the government proclaimed Respect for the Aged Day
as a national holiday observed on 15 September every year. Following the Happy Monday
System in Japan, the holiday was moved to the third Monday of September since 2003.

Respect for the Aged Day 2013 Celebration

To celebrate Respect for the Aged Day, 60 years old people in Japan usually wear red clothes.
Japanese people also make obento or box lunches and give the obento to their elderly neighbors
for free. In some communities, many kinds of shows such as dances and songs are performed by
school children and younger villagers to be enjoyed by the elderly people in their neighborhood.

Since Respect for the Aged Day always falls on Monday, it creates a long holiday in Japan. Thus,
public transportation is likely to be more crowded than usual. During the holiday, TV stations
and other means of media in Japan usually feature the theme of elderly. Elderly-related reports
such as the number of elderly in Japan or the oldest people in the country are generally issued
during Respect of the Aged Day.

Happy Respect of the Aged Day 2013 !

http://publicholiday.org/calendar/respect-for-the-aged-day/
 Respect for the elderly in Japan
Posted on October 22, 2011 by Hand In Hand

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Patrick and Jacqueline Bencke serve at Kyushu Lutheran College, a college of the Japan
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kumamoto, Japan. Patrick teaches English and Jacqueline
works in the music program. In their recent newsletter, they offer some thoughts on respect for
the elderly. To support the Benckes or another of the ELCAs nearly 250 missionaries, go to
www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship.

Mr. Taniguchi, senior, gave a testimony at a recent outreach concert where Patrick and I
performed. As a youth he experienced the typical raw anger toward Americans during World
War II, but after receiving Christ and the gift of baptism, he has become a rock of faith in the
Kumamoto community.

September is the month when Japan observes Respect for the Aged Day. Elderly people are
respected for their wisdom and experience, and this holiday (yes, its a national holiday, so
theres no mail service) is usually celebrated on a small scale within the family, with kids,
grandkids, and great-grandkids coming together to honor the more mature members of their
families. Often, the traditional Japanese foods are served for meals instead of relying on the more
recent additions of fast foods and more highly processed foods.
At our churchs observance this year all the members of the congregation who are 75 or older
were recognized and given a small gift at the end of the service. Interestingly, I was shocked to
learn that some of the women who were honored were 75 or older not just because they have a
good hair-coloring jobs but because they are so healthy and active!

One thing I appreciate about Japan is how every day is sort of Respect for the Aged Day. This is
evidenced by the polite language used to address older people and how so often students or
young adults will give up their seats on the bus for folks who are a little older. It is heartening to
see this, despite the ever changing society that seems to be drifting from its traditional values.
Wouldnt it be lovely to have such a holiday in the U.S.?

- See more at: http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/post/respect-for-the-elderly-in-japan-

22102011/#sthash.Ahlhjj2B.dpuf

http://blogs.elca.org/handinhand/post/respect-for-the-elderly-in-japan-22102011/
Japanese Proverbs >>
(About Children, People, Respect)
Respect old people, and be gentle with children.
http://www.inspirationalstories.com/proverbs/japanese-respect-old-people-and-be-gentle-with-
children/
Why should you give your elders respect?
Why should you bow and treat people who are older to you different?

If I had a harder life than most of the people older to me, why should I bow down to them?

Best Answer

Nonmai Ptak answered 4 years ago

Life is symmetrical. Around 40, you reach your peak and retrogress. Elderly people are like babies in
many respects. They need other people's constant attention and care just like babies. If you can prevent
them from getting out of control by paying some extra attention to them from time to time, you would
no doubt do that?

Source:
An ultimate in retrogression - that is me.

Comment

Other Answers (13)

Relevance

answered 4 years ago

Elders are wise and make our life what it is. Without them, we would not exist and they are the
knowledge that we need.
 Our Elderly are very wise, knowledgable and know much about the world and deserve respect.In
the part of Japan where I live, we all give our elders respect because they are wise and harbour
wisdom, they are not burden and they are like the noble blossom tree. Elders bear the fruits of
knowledge, keep secrets and eventually, when they die, we miss them. We owe everything to
our elders. From the first man to the last, knowledge will be shared from one elder to the next
young and if we listen, we will always know. Thats what I was brought up to believe. If it is
different outside of Japan then so be it, but respect your elders and there is much to know.

~Kurisuchi

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Al answered 4 years ago

You self-important jerk: To begin with, Everything you have of value in your life was made
possible by those who are now your "Elders". The "Rights" you have..your elders fought for, and
many died for. The inventions from the automobile, to indoor plumbing, to computers were
made possible by those who worked, dreamed, and succeeded before you. I dare to say that the
house you live in, you did not make, the food you eat, you did not raise, and the academic
education you received, was not because of your own wisdom. You were taught, you were
provided for, and you were taken care of throughout your entire life, as were we all. Our elders
have accumulated a lifetime of experience. Lets respect and listen to them when they have
something to say about the most important things. They made mistakes so you don't have to,
they toiled so that you never will, and they lived through a time in history that would have killed
you. "If you had a harder life..." you said, ..well you didn't. You have no idea what it took to
survive in a world with no running water, no electricity, and no heat and air in the home. You
never unloaded a train coal car with a shovel for forty cents an hour, watched your family, wife
and children suffer and die of the flu, or were only able to eat what you could grow on your own
property. To those that lived that life, we all owe a debt of sincere gratitude. They suffered, they
toiled, and the engineered the benefits that we take for granted today. For that, they deserve
not only respect, but gratitude, a place of honor, and some time to listen to what they have to
say. Before you go back to being all smug and self important, consider and compare what the
previous generations did for you, against your own personal contribution to the next generation.
Why should anybody respect YOU? You have taken, used, wasted, mooched, borrowed, smoked,
toked and joked, and contributed nothing to science, engineering, the world, or for that matter
 the gene pool. You don't think you should respect anybody who handed you all that you have
taken for granted? You are exactly what is wrong with our country these days. If you have no
respect for others, then you deserve none. As you give, so shall you reap. One day YOU will be
the "Elder" who is ignored, belittled, bullied, and considered of no value ot the world. Just
remember that it began here. It began with your self-important conclusion that nobody should
be respected more than you. Good luck with that.

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longliveabcdefg answered 4 years ago

Bowing is one of the many ways to show respect. If you think you had a hard life, I am sure you
would expect a lot of respect from people when you become old yourself.

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Sonata answered 4 years ago

Because they have become wise and are more experienced than you are.

That said, the elders in return are supposed to teach you that wisdom so that you may learn and
become greater than they were.

However these days I believe many people have forgotten that this is supposed to be an equal
trade and not a power struggle.

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flemmingbee2 answered 4 years ago

Because older people IN GENERAL are more experienced and more knowledgeable. Most of
them have gone through more than many young people have gone through and have become
wiser, more tolerant and accepting. I give them respect unless they prove themselves to be
unworthy or it.

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? answered 4 years ago

i dont really like this rule. i think you should respect everyone no matter what there age is. and
chances are that there life could have been way harder than you can even imagine so dont be
full of your self and think you shouldnt respect people just because you have had a hard life

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Mr Burns answered 4 years ago

Always respect your elders if you want to be respected when you are older is the saying
worldwide

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DARK XAVIUS answered 4 years ago

its very simple to give your elders respect becuase you dont know what will happen to them the
next day and it is good to give them respect and probably you will have that tinglness feeling
inside of you that you did a good deed or you might get something out of it

Source(s):

i dont know =]

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sweetpea <3 answered 4 years ago

i love old people. They have been through most all things, seen more, and have more wisdom
then we do. plus they aren't going to be around super long, and life only happens once. what
goes around comes around. If you want repect when u are older, and you will, then give it to
others now. Karma

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110416184611AA30Bnb
10 things that you should know before coming to Japan
February 6th, 2012By GaijinPotCategory: Culture

Here are 10 things about Japanese culture that you should know before coming to Japan.

1. Respect

Bowing is an important method of greeting and apologizing in Japanese society. From the time
they enter elementary school, Japanese people learn to respect older people and bowing is a
part of that. How deep you bow to whom is important, too. You bow to your friends quickly at
an angle of 30 degrees and to your boss at work and older people deeply at an angle of 70
degrees. Polite language is common, of course. When you address an older person, you must
always add the honorific san after their name.

2. Table Manners
If you are invited to a drinking party (nomikai), dont pour beer just for yourself and start
drinking. Good manners require you to lead with the toast, raise your glass with one hand and
say Kanpai! (Cheers!) Usually, when you take your seat, a waiter or waitress will give you an
oshibori (small wet towel) for you to wipe your hands with. Dining etiquette is strict in Japan;
however, you can make a slurping noise when you eat noodles. That lets the chef know that you
are enjoying the meal.

3. Tipping not necessary

In Japan, it is not necessary to tip hotel, bar and restaurant staff, taxi drivers, and so on. In fact,
giving someone a tip would embarrass them and is a rather rude thing to do in Japan. It is normal
for waiters to give the best possible service to customers. The prices include tips.

4. Chopsticks

Youll need to use chopsticks when dining out in Japanese restaurants. Japanese people, for some
reason, think it must be hard for Westerners to use chopsticks and they often profess surprise
when they see a foreigner capably using them.

5. Entering a house
The custom in Japan is to take your shoes off when you enter a house and some companies and
Japanese-style accommodation. Youll often see a rack at the entrance, with slippers for you to
put on. Some Japanese people often bring their own slippers just in case. There are also special
slippers for wearing in the toilet, so make sure you dont wear them outside.

6. Face masks

In most countries, you wont see people wearing sterilized face masks outside of an operating
room. In Japan, on the other hand, youll see thousands of people wearing them outside,
especially in autumn and winter. They help protect the wearer from catching a cold or suffering
allergies. It is frowned upon if a Japanese worker takes a day off because of a cold, so these
masks are quite important.

7. Order and harmony

It has been said that Western culture fosters individualism. Japanese culture, on the other hand,
values the opposite. Japanese people do not like to disturb the order and harmony of the group.
Being conspicuous and self-assertive are virtues for Western people, but not in Japan. For
example, talking on a mobile phone inside a train or bus, blowing your nose in front of other
people, eating food while commuting are considered bad manners in Japan.

8. Japanese baths
There are many spas and public baths in cities and rural areas. The Japanese bath style is
different from in the West. First of all, you wash your body before you get into the bath which is
for soaking in. The public bath (sento) is a great place to relax. Of course, youll have to get
used to other people seeing you naked.

9. English Conversation

Many Japanese people think that foreign people cannot speak Japanese or only know a little, so
they will often try to speak English to them. You may be irritated a bit when Japanese people say
Hello to you in a strong Japanese accent. Dont be offended because they are just being
humble and trying to be be polite to you.

10. Safety

Compared to other countries, Japan is a relatively safe place. Of course, murder, theft, assault
and rape happen in Japan, but when you see Japanese workers sleeping on trains, you will feel
that Japan is a safe country.

Source: Harupunte News

Tags: culture, Japan, living, traditional

http://injapan.gaijinpot.com/play/culture/2012/02/06/10-things-that-you-should-know-before-coming-
to-japan/
Bizarre Japanese "Respect Old People Day"
Holiday Is Sign of The Times

Submitted by Tyler Durden on 09/15/2014 15:42 -0400

inShare3

Submitted by Simon Black via Sovereign Man blog,

Today is a rather peculiar public holiday in Japan: Respect Old People Day.

And judging by the official demographics, an increasing proportion of the population should be
revered today.

One in eight Japanese is aged 75 or older. People over 65 will reach 33 million, the largest ever,
roughly 25.9% of the population.

The thing about demographic trends is that theyre like a huge oil tanker - once theyre on their
course its very hard to steer them around in another direction.

These are monumental, generational changes that are very hard and slow to reverse.

By todays trend, Japans population will dwindle from 127 million today to around 100 million
by 2050. Its the worst possible demographic nightmare.

People stopped having as many babies decades ago. It was too damned expensive.

Then the big collapse came in the late 80s, and the economy has been dragging it heels ever
since.

When prosperity is low, people consequently delay having children. They have fewer children.
Or they dont have them at all.

This has enormous long-term implications for the country and its fundamentals. Fewer
people of working age means fewer jobs, less productivity, less consumption and less
government tax revenue.
On the other hand, a bulging group of older people means more spending for medical care and
pensions.

In the recently proposed budget for fiscal year 2015, the Japanese government earmarked
31.7 trillion yen for social security, welfare and health spending.

This is the largest item in the budget, consuming 31.2% of all planned government
spending.

And its only getting larger.

It doesnt help that Japan is essentially already bankrupt.

The second largest item in Japanese governments budget is interest.

While social security, welfare and health spending has increased by 3% from the current budget,
debt servicing is up by 11% and now amounts to 25.8 trillion yen, or an incredible 25% of
Japans budget.

So just between pensions and interest, theyre spending 57.5 trillion yen. Last year they
only collected 50 trillion in tax revenue.

So before they spend a single yen on anything else in government anything at all theyre
already 7 trillion yen (about $70 billion) in the hole. They have to borrow the rest.

Bear in mind, this is coming at a time when interest rates for 10-year Japanese bonds are 0.5%,
and even closer to zero on shorter notes.

If interest rates rise to just 1%, which is historically still very low, Japan will spend almost all of
its tax revenue just to service the debt!

You cant make this stuff up. Its a screaming indicator that this system cant possibly last.

Europe, the US and Japan, three of the biggest economies in the world, are all on a similar
inevitable trendtheyre in debt up to their eyeballs, with absolutely no arithmetic possibility of
ever getting out of the hole unscathed.

Japan is just worst of them all.

And history is so full of examples of what governments do when countries get into this position:
as reality beckons, they become even more careless and destructive.

The question of when will it happen is irrelevant. What difference does it make if Japan
collapses tomorrow or two years from now?
This is not a credible and sustainable system that is worth tying up all your livelihood and life
savings with.

Nobody is going to send you an advanced notice that the banks will remain closed tomorrow and
all deposits will be frozen.

Thats why we always say to buckle up and put your seatbelt on ahead of time.

Just like William Shakespeare said in The Merry Wives of Windsor: Better three hours too
soon, than a minute too late.

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-09-15/bizarre-japanese-respect-old-people-day-holiday-sign-
times
It doesnt matter how long Ive lived in Japan. Im still struck by the level of civility here. Every
encounter, whether its on a crowded train or a busy street is transacted with a degree of quiet
courtesy that continues to surprise me. Passing through Tokyo Station recently, I was aware of
the dense crowd moving in a fluid, almost choreographed way. Thousands of people heading in
different directions and nobody running into anyone else.

Passengers on rush hour trains will wordlessly jam in together and stand in such close proximity
that it startled me when I first came to Tokyo. Fresh from London, I still had sharpened elbows
and an expectation of personal space. Now I can see that my fellow commuters werent
interested in invading my personal space. Without any whingeing or eye rolling, people just
know to budge up. Standing close together allows more people to get on. Nothing needs to be
said. Nobody needs to lose their temper.

Without being told explicitly, people seem to know what to do, even which side of a crowded
pavement to walk on. Its as if the sense of behaving correctly and not inconveniencing others
has been internalised.

Its only after all this time that Im finally getting to the bottom of it. Ever since my daughter
started at nursery. The Japanese hoikuen or kindergarten is the incubator of good manners. From
the word go children are expected to remove their shoes when they walk into the building, then
wash their hands as soon as they enter the classroom, and generally behave in a respectful,
public-spirited way.

Everything is carried out meticulously. The nursery requires parents to send their children to
school with what seemed to me an excessive supply of hand cloths and face towels. Now its
clear no activity can take place without being followed and sometimes preceded by a round of
hand-wiping.

Meals are cooked every day in the school kitchen and displayed in the lobby for parents to
inspect. Forget all thoughts of semolina and turkey twizzlers. This weeks offerings included
white rice with seasonal chestnuts, grilled chicken, miso soup and slices of fresh Japanese pear.
No wonder the teachers are eating the same meal. Im tempted to ask for a bento box to take
home myself. Every meal begins the correct way, even for toddlers, with an itadakimasu and a
bow of the head and ends with a thank you for the food, gochisousama deshita.

I thought Id cracked the rules and there are many but I was politely taken aside last week
and told that while one pair of outdoor shoes was good, two would be even better. One pair for
playing outside in the playground, one for going home. Theres no point in asking, cant one
pair of shoes do the same job? To everyone else its obvious.

There are some who say that Japanese education prioritises collective good manners over
individual creativity and that may be true but for now at least, both seem to be co-existing quite
comfortably. Its worth noting that today is an appropriately considerate public holiday in Japan
Respect for the Aged Day.

http://monocle.com/monocolumn/2012/respect-in-japan-is-grown-from-childhood/
Japan holds its older people in high esteem. The annual Keir no hi is a national day of respect
celebrating older people. Japanese media take this opportunity to feature older people, reporting on
the population and highlighting the oldest people in the country. The UK holds a national Older Peoples
Day in October each year, celebrating older peoples contribution to society and the economy.

http://www.fote.org.uk/select-respect/learning-from-other-countries/
Things that are okay in your home country might be socially acceptable in Japan.

Actually, thats one of the first things anyone learns when they travel abroad. Train are no
exception. I originally wrote this post as a passive aggressive attempt to spread information on
the internet, in hopes that at least a couple foreigners planning to visit Tokyo might read it.

Train etiquette in Japan really shouldnt be that difficult. Or so I thought. But I had the
weirdest surreal moment in the world a couple months after I moved to Tokyo because a group
of tourists were smoking on the train, which is probably the biggest No-no for train etiquette in
Japan. It is so much of an understood social taboo that they dont even have any No smoking
signs (or vocal announcements) on the train, unlike their constant cellphone usage rules.

In any case, I wanted to make a quick post about train etiquette in Tokyo, just because there are
several people I would love to give this advice to, but dont feel like burning that many
bridges. Instead, Im just going to passively write this in hopes they see it someday.

And, of course, to help travelers coming to Japan.

Train etiquette in Japan: the Dos and Donts of Riding a
Train or Subway (listed in order of importance)
1. Dont smoke on the train.

Smoking in public spaces is illegal in most parts of Japan. You can actually get fined (not serious
amounts) for smoking while walking or smoking in prohibited areas. While enforcement is low
in most places, trains are one of those super-prohibited places, like hospitals and schools, where
you actually will get in trouble for smoking.

Nearly every train station has a clearly labeled smoking room or outside smoking area where
you can light up. Generally speaking, if you dont see signs saying you are allowed to smoke,
just assume it is prohibited in that area.
If you need to smoke, use the make smoking rooms.

In very public areas, such as in the middle of a festival or at a rally, they will have smoking
rooms for you to use. Generally assume that you cant smoke freely anywhere in Japan. Even my
college campus has a (steadily decreasing) number of designated smoking areas, even though the
entire campus is 150 acres. The only exceptions (I think) are clubs, (some) bars, and (most)
concerts.

So yeah. Seriously. Dont smoke on the trains.

2. Dont talk on your cellphone on the train or subway.

This rule is a bit more obvious; they have signs everywhere, and make public service
announcements (in both Japanese and English) every couple minutes.

It is alright if it is only for a couple seconds, like if someone calls you while youre on the train,
it is acceptable to answer the phone, whisper sorry, Im on the train, can I call you back in ten
minutes? and hang up. You dont have to ignore the call. Likewise, if you are chatting on the
phone, waiting for the train, try to finish your conversation before you get on board the train. If
you cant you do get about 10 seconds of grace period to finish up your call before other
passengers get annoyed at you.

3. Turn your phone on Manner Mode [] (otherwise known as silent mode).

Japan has this wonderful thing called Manner Mode, which is the American equivalent of
silent mode, but it sounds nicer. My cell phone has a Manner Mode button that I can press
and hold to turn Manner Mode on and off.

You are told to keep your phone on Manner Mode while on the train, as to not bother other
passengers in case someone calls or texts you. You will hear announcements every five minutes
in both Japanese and English, reminding you to keep your phone on Manner Mode.

Trains are typically pretty quiet, so a beeping or ringing cellphone is pretty obvious. Of course,
no one is going to kick you out of the train if your phone goes off (I doubt anyone will kick
you out for breaking any of these rules) but its kind of the same feeling as if you phone went off
when you were sitting in that one class you hated. No one really cares (too much), but it is still
embarrassing.

[For more on Mannar Mode in Japan, click here]

With my phone, I only have to hold down the center button for 3 seconds before it switches into
manner mode.
4. Give up your seat for old people, people with a handicap, people who are injured, pregnant
women, or people with small children.

While trains do have a priority seating area, many people who qualify for priority seating
choose to use the regular seats. I dont know why. Perhaps they are worried about being shown
up by an older (or more handicapped) patron or the priority seating area is too far of a walk.

Priority seats are usually a different color than normal seats

Needless to say, if you are sitting in the priority seats and someone who looks like they could be
tired/damaged/carrying a child in any way, shape, or form, give them your seat. Thats pretty
straightforward.

However, just even if youre not sitting in the priority seats, you should still give up your seat.
You can tell if an old person wants your seat because they will stare at you.
Once you make eye contact, the seat is as good as theirs. As a result, you often see old people
camped out in front of tired youth who are hiding behind their cellphones and avoiding eye
contact. Its funny. And kind of sad.

So you give up your seat. Good for you. The unfortunate part is that half the time, they wont
take my seat right away. In fact, if you ask someone if they want your seat before you actually
get up out of the seat, they will almost always say no (even if they were making said eye contact).
If you get out of the seat, tap them on the shoulder, and point to the seat, they will say things like
oh no, Im fine or are you sure? or dont worry, before staring at the seat for a couple
seconds, making sure no one else wants the seat, saying thank you, and finally sitting down.

But when they say oh no, Im fine, or dont worry its the same as if you ask your girlfriend
do you want me to wash my hair more than once a week? and she said oh no, its fine or
dont worry. Its not fine. Generally speaking, if sitcoms and the internet have taught you
anything, its that when your girlfriend says its fine, it really is never fine.

Much in the same way, even if someone protests and says they dont need your seat, I will bet
you a serious amount of yen that if you get up, point to the seat, and start walking away, they
will say thank you. They just want to be polite about it (like when you go out to eat with
someone and both people fake wanting to pay the bill a couple times in hope that the other
person really will treat them). Let them be polite, but also let them have your seat.

And, of course, the other half of the time, they will just say are you sure? while they are in the
midst of actually sitting down. They might be too tired to do the full extent of politeness but I
really do like this response much better.
And then they will probably turn to whoever they are riding with and say something like
foreigners these days are so nice.

Last note on giving up your seat on a train in Japan etiquette, and then I will move on.
Actually, I wish I didnt have to write this next part, but Ive seen it happen altogether too many
times.

Lets give them names: person A, person B, and old person C. Person A will get up out of their
seat and move towards old person C, trying to get them to use their seat. And then, person B
(possibly who didnt see person A or old person C), will notice the empty seat and sit down.
Then person A will turn around with old person C in tow, only to find the seat occupied. It is the
most uncomfortable and awkward thing in the world.

Dont let that be you, please. If you see someone get up out of their seat, watch where they are
going before you sit down. If they exit the train, youre safe. If they are aiming for an old or
pregnant person, for the love of God dont be that foreigner who takes the seat. Please.
5. Be careful of body odor.

Im serious.

Imagine being stuck in a train like this full of people with bad body odor. I imagine that is what
hell feels like.

See, heres the thing about Japanese people. Because of genetics, most dont have body odor (to
learn why, watch this awesome video). The only time Ive ever seen my fianc (Ryosuke) use
deodorant was when he used my lavender-scented stuff one day for fun, just so he could smell
me every time he sniffed his armpits.

Im not even going to talk about that.

So the problem with being foreign (specifically white) in Japan, is that its really hard to get
deodorant that works. And by deodorant, I mean the good stuff. Im not talking about the weak
aerosol spray on stuff that lasts for 30 minutes tops, Im talking about the heavy-duty stuff that
will stick with you throughout the day.

I cant count the number of times Ive been stuck next to a foreigner on one of the last trains (and
by stuck next to I mean smashed up against), and said foreigner stunk. Like worse than a
gamer the third day of a Texas summer anime convention.

If you are prone to getting bad body odor, Im sorry. I really do pity you. Pack lots of heavy
deodorant from America (or whatever country you come from). But dont make everyone else
suffer too. If you smell and youre going to be out all day, bring one of those small aerosol cans
and freeze your pits right before you get on the train (especially if it is crowded).

Those are the five main taboos of riding the trains in Japan. For your reference, there are a
couple more, but they are more minor things. If youre interested, just check out this post.
[Check out: 6 More Things People (especially foreigners) Need to Stop Doing on Trains in
Japan]

http://howibecametexan.com/2013/03/21/5-rules-of-train-etiquette-in-japan-that-you-should-never-
break/
What is Respect for the Aged Day?
September 2, 2008

The third Monday of September is Respect for the Aged Day, a

national holiday in Japan. The Japanese call national holidays red days because they appear in
red print on the calendar. As this will make September 1214 a long weekend, be prepared for
heavier than usual traffic and crowded trains if you are traveling.

Japanese people traditionally wear red on their 60th birthday because 60 years is one cycle on the
Chinese calendar and after 60, it is said that you become a baby again. Babies in Japan are called
aka-chan or red one.

Respect for the Aged Day, called keiro no hi, is not quite like Grandparents Day in the U.S. It
is far more serious. Neighborhoods will have volunteers distribute free obento boxed lunches
to elderly people in the neighborhood and smaller villages will hold keirokai shows where the
younger people and school children prepare dances and songs for a special keirokai ceremony.
The elderly attendees are also treated to lunch, tea, and sweets after the performance.

As Japans nation grays and people get older and older, some of these traditions may change,
however. On the small island of 700 people where I live, the keirokai ceremony used to be held
for those 60 years old and over. But with so many people over the age of 60 now, the qualifying
age to attend the keirokai has steadily increased, and is now 65. As Japans society ages and
nursing homes become more popular, being old may not be so special anymorebut rather the
norm.

Respect for the Aged Day is also a way to honor longevity, and Japanese people have always
been some of the longest living in the world. But this is also changing as more and more
Japanese people add meat and other western foods to their diets. In addition, city living is seen to
cut lifespan due to pollution and stress.

http://www.planettokyo.com/blog/japanese-culture/what-is-respect-for-the-aged-day/
Respect-for-the-Aged Day (Third Monday in September)
Respect-for-the-Aged Day was established in 1966 to commemorate the enactment of the Elderly
Welfare Law. This holiday was originally celebrated on September 15th, but it was changed to
the third Monday of September in 2003. This is the day to pay respect to the elderly for their
lifelong contributions to society, and to give well wishes for their longevity. On Respect-for-the-
Aged Day, family members give gifts to their grandmothers and grandfathers to show their
gratitude and appreciation. Some local governments send gifts to local seniors and holding
special events for them. Traditionally, Japanese start celebrating longevity upon reaching their
sixtieth year. Recently, however, more and more people are of the opinion that sixty is too young
to be considered elderly.
http://www.crosscurrents.hawaii.edu/content.aspx?lang=eng&site=japan&theme=cal&subtheme=PUBL
ICHOL&unit=JCAL007
Respect for the Aged Day
Adam Miller September 14, 2011 Holidays

The third week in September is often referred to as Silver Week in Japan, as it has two national
holidays, the Autumn Equinox and the official arrival of the cooler weather on Friday, as well as
Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro No Hi / ) on Monday.

Respect for the Aged Day became an official national holiday back in 1966, but it all started in
Nomatanimura (now known as Yachiyocho) in the Hyogo Prefecture, back in 1947. The small
town celebrated (Toshiyori No Hi / Old Folks Day)on the 15th of every September.
The holiday became so popular in the surrounding areas that it soon spread throughout the
country, until the government recognized it as a national holiday, renamed it and declared that
the third Monday of every September would be set aside to pay respect to the elderly population
of Japan.

Each year, the Japanese media cover a selection of news stories concerning themselves with
remarkable elderly people, looking at aged athletes, have a go heroes or artists. But they almost
always concentrate on the eldest person living in Japan, an accolade that currently rests on
Chiyono Hasegawa (), who is a staggering 114 years of age.

Ms. Hasegawa is not only the oldest person in Japan, but the second oldest in the world, after
Besse Cooper of Tennessee, USA, who is currently 115 years of age. Ms. Hasegawa was born on
the 20th November 1896, so her 115th birthday is just around the corner. Although she is
wheelchair bound, she is said to be in good health and spirits.

In 2008, on Respect the Aged Day, the Governor of Furukawa came to visit Ms. Hasegawa and
her 61-year-old grandson. On May 2nd, 2010, she officially became the oldest (verified) person
living in Japan and a ceremony was held at her nursing home to celebrate.

With Japans aging population, it is clearly a great idea to respect the elderly, as they will no
doubt need more support in the coming decades. At Axiom we would like to extend a salute to
Chiyono Hasegawa, have a wonderful day and we look forward to reporting on your 120th
birthday!

http://www.axiommagazine.jp/2011/09/14/respect-for-the-aged-day-
%E6%95%AC%E8%80%81%E3%81%AE%E6%97%A5/
(Reuters Life!) - Japan's rapidly aging society, where nearly one in four people is over 65, means
that more elderly are living alone every year - and also, sadly, dying alone, their bodies
sometimes undiscovered for days.

But now, local authorities are teaming up with groups such as the post office to check in on
senior citizens, increasing their human contact and improving their lives.

Tokyo's Shinagawa ward, where last year at least 25 elderly died alone in their homes, in August
began a venture with Japan Post in which postmen check up on people over 65 once a month by
handing them seasonal greeting cards.

"We hope to strengthen ties within the community," said Akihiro Hara, a Shinagawa welfare
official.

The experimental program calls on postmen to make sure nothing is amiss when they visit the
homes of the elderly and to contact a special center at the ward office if something is wrong.
That office will in turn contact hospitals and local welfare officials if needed.

Lonely elderly are an increasingly urgent social problem.

Last year, 4.6 million elderly lived alone across Japan, and the number of those who died at
home rose 61 percent between 2003 and 2010, from 1,364 to 2,194, according to the Bureau of
Social Welfare and Public Health in Tokyo.

A deep-seated Japanese reluctance to interfere in the lives of others, even those living nearby,
means that some of these people may go through their days without talking to anybody.

Another problem is a gradual drift away from traditions of respect for the elderly and Japan's
once tightly-knit community bonds, resulting in increasing isolation, experts said.

"In some ways this can have its merits, because we can be free, independent. The demerits,
though, are that we ignore each other," said social commentator Tomoko Inukai.

"One terrible characteristic of Japanese society is that we treat our elderly like they're lifeless
animals."

A few other creative approaches are being taken to keep in touch with senior citizens.

One realtor has started to promote the idea of house sharing by single mothers and senior citizens,
bringing together senior citizens who are interested in renting space in their house after their own
families are gone with single mothers in search of affordable housing and also, perhaps, a live-in
babysitter.
But the venture is not without its problems, admitted Hiroshi Kuwayama, the CEO of Now-e, the
realty firm involved.

"Single mothers are young, and are more flexible in accepting the idea of house sharing, but it
takes some time for the elderly to accept the concept in the first place."

Other efforts involve necessities such as food.

Mills, a firm in northern Niigata prefecture, delivers daily meals to senior citizens who are no
longer able to shop or cook for themselves - and checks as well to make sure they are fine.

"Where we can, we provide 3 meals a day, every day of the year, excluding the New Year
holidays," said Masahi Hayashi, a delivery manager at Mills.

"When we deliver, we also make sure our customers are safe."

Hayashi noted that while delivery personnel are not doctors, all of them have undergone basic
first-aid training - but "we thankfully haven't needed to use it so far."

Still, delivery personnel are often the first to find elderly customers who have died, as many as
five to six a year.

In the end, the simplest solution may just be trying to reach out, Inukai said.

"An enormous flaw in Japanese society is that we don't look each other in the eye when we're
walking in the streets. We need to re-think the Japanese fear of interacting with others."

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/03/us-japan-dying-idUSTRE7726NW20110803
In a recent study by Pew Research Center (Attitudes about Aging: A Global Perspective) Japan
scored highest among countries when queried if the growing number of aging people was a
problem, with 87% responding yes.

Around 25% of Japans population was already over 65 at the start of 2014, according to national
statistics, and the numbers are steadily rising. Yet Japans elderly are considerably healthier than
their counterparts in the West. Indeed, Japanese life expectancy at 82.7 years is one of the
highest worldwide, according to the United Nations World Population Prospects: The 2012
Revision.

This can be partly explained by low obesity levels thanks to a healthy diet, including lots of fish
and vegetables and little processed food. But there is more to the Japaneses long and healthy
living than eating lots of sushi. First, attitudes towards health differ greatly in Japan to those in
the West. People often visit the doctor, more than in other countries, with an average of 12-13
visits per year, says John Creighton Campbell, professor emeritus of political science at the
University of Michigan and visiting researcher at the Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo University.

Theres a cultural bias against surgery, which is also not very profitable.

John Creighton Campbell

Tokyo University

LOW COSTS, HEALTHY PEOPLE

Moreover, the country is blessed with one of the best universal, comprehensive long-term health
care systems in the world. The system, marked by low costs and healthy people, is based on
social insurance and operated by the government.

A huge step forward was the introduction of mandatory long-term care insurance (LTCI) in 2000,
which aims to help older people maintain their dignity and continue to live independent lives.
This offers generous community-based services, such as home help and visiting nurses, as well
as nursing home care, regardless of peoples income or social situation. Over 6% of those over
65 attend adult day care in Japan, more than anywhere else in the world.

Also distinguishing Japan from other countries is the high number of hospital beds: at 13.4 beds
per 1,000 people, this is almost three times the OECD average. Hospital admissions, meanwhile,
tend to be low because theres a cultural bias against surgery, which is also not very profitable,
balanced by a greater reliance on internal medicine instead, says Campbell. While the Japanese
are less likely to go into hospital, when they do, they stay for longer, with elderly people often
spending the rest of their lives there once admitted; more than 200,000 people aged 65 and older
live in hospitals, he says.
WORKING FOR THE SOCIAL CONTACTS
The Japanese also work for longer, with Japanese men and women over 55 working at a higher
rate than anywhere else in the world. Paradoxically, the retirement age, set by many
organizations at 60, is quite early but many people then take on less important, or even menial
jobs to keep working for the social contact and their health, says Campbell. Japan is a work-
orientated society and has always had a high labor-force participation.

Those extra years at work can help supplement retirement income. Pension levels for the average
middle-class people are adequate to maintain a middle-class lifestyle but many rely on savings
too, says Campbell. An awful lot of money is sitting in older peoples bank accounts and
theyre not spending it. That provides a very good cushion for people in retirement. Its
important to remember that not all Japanese elderly are well off: a lot of older people have zero
savings, low pension benefits and there is a relatively high poverty rate among the countrys
older people.

HONOR YOUR ELDERS

In fact, it is not all rosy for the countrys otoshiyori or honorable elders. Respect towards the
elderly, for instance, is slipping. While Japan remains a hierarchical society and respect is
automatically awarded to those who are older or more senior in terms of family or work
relationships, it can sometimes stop there. Older people are still respected as long as they sit
there and behave like older people, give gifts to their grandchildren and dont cause trouble. If
they start to be irritating then the respect vanishes, says Campbell.

At the same time, traditional support for frail older people is diminishing. Women today are
often more interested in careers than caring for an elderly relative, which was the traditional
norm. In 1960, the proportion of people over 65 living with a child was 80%. According to the
2010 census, this proportion had dropped to 41%, notes the statistics bureau of Japan.

If an older person wasnt living with their children, people used to think either there was
something wrong with them or their children were evil. Nowadays, thats no longer true. Its
been a really important social change in Japan, says Campbell.

As well as providing care for their elderly relatives, Japanese children also used to support them
economically. Nowadays, the old not only pay their own way when living in the same household,
but also often provide significant financial support to their children and grandchildren, continues
Campbell.

Maybe it is time for the elderly to heed an old Japanese proverb: Akinasu wa yome ni kuwasuna.
Literally Dont let your daughter-in-law eat your autumn eggplants, meaning dont let yourself
be taken advantage of.

http://projectm-online.com/global-agenda/demographics/live-long-and-healthy-in-japan
So is it respect for the aged, the elderly or
the seniors?
by Peter Backhaus

Sep 2, 2008

Article history

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SHARE

As it is every September, people in Japan are looking forward to keir no hi, the coming national
holiday dedicated to the older members of the population. Respect for the Aged Day provides an
annual opportunity to visit ones elderly relatives, get involved in various welfare activities or
just stay home in bed and rest.

Given that more than 21 percent of Japans population is 65 years or older, it seems reasonable to
have something like Respect for the Aged Day. The origins of this holiday, however, date back
to when Japans population was much younger than it is today, and when the holiday had another
name.

On Sept. 15, 1947, a small town in Hyogo Prefecture first celebrated a day for the elderly, then
called otoshiyori no hi (day of the elderly). In the following years, similar festivities were held
in other communities throughout Japan until, in 1963, Sept. 15 was officially established as rjin
no hi (day of the old people). It settled to its present name, keir no hi, only after the
government declared it a national holiday in 1966.

One reason for this terminological confusion lies in the negative connotation often associated
with words referring to old age. This is apparent with the word rjin. While rjin in the past has
been a relatively neutral expression referring to elderly people, in recent times it has increasingly
become associated with the weaknesses and frailties of old age. This is reflected in terms such as
rjin mondai (problems with old people) or rjin boke, a derogatory term for senility.

And so various alternatives have emerged to replace the unpopular rjin. The most common of
them is kreisha. Literally meaning person(s) of high age, it has so far managed to retain a
neutral image. Another alternative is the previously mentioned toshiyori (person/people of
advanced age), often used with a respectful o- attached before it.

The terminology of old age has been further enriched by new words. Best known are jukunen
and jitsunen. The former literally means mature years and it first gained currency in the second
half of the 1970s. Jitsunen literally means true years and is a more recent coinage. It was
introduced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1985 to refer to people in their 50s and 60s,
but failed to take root in everyday language.

And then there are the usual suspects: English loanwords. A popular one is shirub (silver), as
used in shirub shto (silver seat), train and bus seats reserved for elderly people. Silver seat
made its national debut on the Chuo Line on Sept. 15 keir no hi 1973. They were later
renamed ysen seki (priority seat), which is now most widely used.

One problem with the term shirub is that it is frequently associated with welfare, and also with
old-age problems, rather than with the more positive aspects of old age. A more neutral term is
shinia (senior). It allows for expressions such as shinia-tachi (seniors), shinia-s (senior
population) and shinia-sedai (senior generation).

The reason behind the emergence of such creative vocabulary referring to old age can best be
understood in light of Japans rapidly aging population. With the average life expectancy rising
from around 45 years in the 1920s to 78 years for men and 85 years for women now, it stands to
reason to assume that perceptions on what it means to be old are changing.

Take again the term rjin. The Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living asked more than 1,500
elderly citizens living in the Tokyo metropolitan area, from what age on does one become a
rjin? The surveys taken in 1986 and 1996 reveal that the commonly perceived age of acquiring
rjin status is on the rise. The period most frequently identified in both surveys was between 70
and 74, with 49 percent responding so in 1986, and 41 percent 10 years later. A comparison of
the results from the two surveys reveals that the rate of people identifying the beginning of the
rjin age group to be below 75 is dropping, while the number of people who consider it to start
later than that is growing. Overall, the average age at which people think one becomes a rjin
rose by more than two years, from 71.5 years in 1986 to 73.6 years in 1996.

Problems on how to properly refer to older people thus reflect the rapid changes in Japans
demography. With life expectancy on the rise, entry into old age is being postponed. The one
thing that seems to be sure and this is the good news is that there will be many more days
of respect for the elderly in the years to come. Whatever name they may go by

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2008/09/02/language/so-is-it-respect-for-the-aged-the-elderly-or-
the-seniors/#.VMSbWcl3yKE
Japan has the oldest population of any nation, with almost one in four people already aged 65 or
older. It also has a strong tradition of family care, reflected in Respect for the Elderly Day on the
third Monday each September a national holiday "to honour older citizens who have
contributed to the society for many years and celebrate their longevity".

Some 29 million older people were in the spotlight this year, including 8 million over-80s and
45,000 centenarians, with a projected 33 million in 2015 and 36 million by 2025. They received
flowers and special gifts from their children and grandchildren, while others were taken out to
celebrate the day with their families. Central government and local government agencies held
events and ceremonies for older citizens, with mayors and politicians paying "courtesy visits" to
centenarians to present souvenir tokens.

This unique global event symbolises the stereotype of the positive Japanese tradition of family
care for older people. Such care is regarded as the best and most cost-effective option, a
commendable social asset likely to resonate with British government thinking on the "big
society".

Yet Japanese newspaper headlines and research reveal disturbing levels of neglect and abuse of
older people, as in one recent story of a 48-year-old man arrested for beating his 83-year-old
mother over a two-year period. He told police he was "worn out by nursing". And he is not
alone: an official survey found that one in two family carers had subjected frail elderly relatives
to some form of abuse, with one in three acknowledging feelings of "hatred".

This state of affairs is attributable partly to shrinking numbers of care-givers and the heavier
burdens placed upon them, reflecting changes in demographic and residence patterns, gender
roles and employment practices. Persistent social pressures surrounding family obligations
compound these difficulties, producing "care-giving hell" (Kaigo-jigoku). In extreme cases,
family "care" culminates in homicide 46 incidents of which were reported last year.

Partly in response, Japan introduced in 2000 its comprehensive long-term care insurance system,
which has been studied closely by British politicians. The system features compulsory
contributions and uniform entitlements, with an element of consumer choice, and represents the
socialisation of care as part of a social contract. The scheme has expanded rapidly, the number of
beneficiaries increasing over the past decade from 1.5 million to 4.7 million, or 16% of all those
aged 65 or over.

Yet, with an acute shortage of nursing home places owing to a squeeze on public expenditure,
some 420,000 older people are on waiting lists. Key concepts of rights and choice are
increasingly undermined by stricter rationing, tightened eligibility criteria and top-up fees,
familiar features also of England's system.

In June, the Japanese government responded with the declaration of Atarashi-kokyo, arguably a
version of big society, calling for a radical shift in the relationship between citizens and the state
and promoting popular participation.
In theory, by 2025 every needy older person will have prompt access to seamless public services
in collaboration with, or reinforced by, grassroots, citizen-driven "mutual support".

Japan has a long tradition of neighbourhood mutual-help associations (Jichikai). There are some
275,000 Jichikai involving approximately 90% of all households. They are largely self-funding
and governing and have multiple functions to meet local needs, including regular visits to older
people living alone.

There has been interest in the UK in the use in Japan of care credits, issued by 400 non-profit
organisations, in which individuals can help an older person in their neighbourhood and earn
credits to be exchanged for care of their own parents living elsewhere. Similarly, a voluntary
mutual support system operating in 30 localities enables people to earn points by helping older
residents in nursing homes the points are used to pay for the volunteers' own care insurance
contributions.

Enthusiasts of the so-called "nudge" idea of influencing people to behave in a more socially
responsible way, who are close to the UK government, have written approvingly of Japanese
care credits. But they need to be aware that neither the credits, nor the compulsory care insurance
system, have proved a panacea. Above all, they need to be aware of care-giving hel

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/sep/28/japan-elderly-care-mutual-support
Are you interested in why elderly people in Japan live longer than seniors in many other regions?
There are many secrets to their longevity as well as a few things to keep in mind to help you
enjoy your golden years as much as possible.

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About Elderly People in Japan

In Japan the elderly are generally treated with the utmost respect. Many Japanese families have
several generations living under one roof. This factor is believed to be one of the many reasons
that the elderly in Japan live longer than any other population. In fact, there are more elderly
citizens than young people in Japan. The population is comprised of more people over the age of
65 than any other age group.

The reason for the high population of senior citizens in Japan is that many Japanese live to be
well over 100 years old. Some reasons attributed to the longevity include:

Strong community bonds

Plenty of exercise
Healthy, low-fat diet
Low stress way of life

One group of Japanese who have long life spans is those who live in Okinawa. The Okinawans
believe that one mixture that they drink can cause them to live longer. The drink is a mix of
honey, garlic, aloe vera and turmeric along with a native liquor. They drink this mixture before
going to bed each night. In addition, the diet of those in Okinawa is mostly vegetarian, made up
of lots of vegetables and soy protein, which are both low in calories and fat. This healthy diet
helps Japanese citizens maintain a healthy weight, not to mention low cholesterol and blood
pressure.

The Japanese also believe in working as long as they can. Many work until they are in their 80s
and some even work until they reach 90 and beyond. A strong work ethic and a busy social life
can be attributed to their long life span. Remaining active has been proven to be a positive factor
for the elderly. Those who are elderly in Japan try to make the most out of their daily life and fill
their days with enriching activities.

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Concerns Among the Elderly

Of course, as with any group, there are concerns for senior citizens in Japan. Living longer
means more potential difficulties regarding finances and retirement. This is most likely one
reason the Japanese still work when they are elderly. Saving enough money to keep you secure
until you reach 100 and beyond can be quite stressful, not to mention that it requires extensive
planning and saving.

Learn from the Elderly in Japan

If you are interested in living as long as possible in order to get the most out of your retirement
years, consider the following tips:

Plan for your retirement wisely. Know what to expect when planning to live on a set income.
Budget your finances properly so you will not be surprised when retirement nears. Always keep
an eye on your retirement plan and use a trustworthy financial planner to guide you in the right
direction.
Many seniors prefer to live in a retirement community so they can be among people their own
age as well as have a range of activities in their reach to choose from. Many communities take
care of yard work so that seniors don't have to worry about it on their own. If you want to live in
a community, be sure to do your research beforehand so you can find the one that fits your
budget and needs.
Try to stay as healthy as possible. Be aware of your diet and nutrition, and stay active. Surround
yourself with friends and family and take time to relax and enjoy your golden years. The elderly
people in Japan believe in relaxation and meditation as a means to finding inner peace that they
feel can make them live long and prosper.

An all-around approach to well-being, which includes physical, mental, and financial wellness,
can help ensure that your retirement years are not only happy and healthy, but stretch on for as
long as possible.

http://seniors.lovetoknow.com/elderly-people-japan
Hari ini, 14 September, Kami sekeluarga pergi ke hall di dekat Taman Suhara. Kumiko-chan dan
teman-temannya diundang untuk memberikan penampilan, sebagai ungkapan terimakasih atas
jasa para orang usia lanjut di kota Kariya.

Penghormatan Orang Usia Lanjut (Keir no hi) adalah salah satu hari libur resmi di
Jepang. Hari libur ini dulunya diperingati tanggal 15 September, tapi sejak tahun 2003
dipindahkan ke hari Senin di minggu ke-3 bulan September mengikuti sistem Sistem Happy
Monday. Kebetulan sekali, hari senin minggu ke-3 bulan September tahun ini, tepat tanggal 15.
Namun, perayaan di kota Kariya ini diadakan hari minggu, 14 September.

Hari libur ini menurut undang-undang hari libur Jepang (Shukujitsu-h) digunakan untuk
mencintai orang lanjut usia atas sumbangsih selama bertahun-tahun terhadap masyarakat, dan
merayakan umur panjang.

Hari Penghormatan Orang Usia Lanjut berasal dari ide seorang kepala desa bernama Kadowaki
Masao dari Distrik Taka, Prefektur Hyogo (sekarang kota Taka) yang mengusulkan Hari Orang
Tua (Toshiyori no hi). Di desa yang dipimpinnya tanggal 15 September sebagai hari untuk
menghormati orang lanjut usia pada 15 September dan kebetulan di pertengahan bulan
September merupakan masa sepi dari pekerjaan bertani. Sejak tahun 1950, acara ini meluas ke
seluruh Prefektur Hyogo dan selanjutnya dijadikan hari peringatan secara nasional.

Pada tahun 1964, Hari Orang Tua (Toshiyori no hi) diganti namanya menjadi Hari Orang Lanjut
Usia (Rjin no hi) karena istilah toshiyori (orang tua) dirasa kurang sopan. Pada tahun 1966,
Hari Orang Lanjut Usia dijadikan hari libur setelah berubah nama menjadi Hari Penghormatan
Orang Lanjut Usia (Keir no hi).

Kumiko-chan dan teman-teman TK Igaya mengenakan baju kachu

lengkap dengan topinya, menyanyikan lagu dan menari. Baju kachu ini hasil kolaborasi orang
tua dan anak.

Lucu sekali melihat wajah dan tingkah anak-anak polos ini. Nenek-kakek yang hadir pun tersenyum
bahagia. Inilah pertemuan 2 generasi dengan jarak yang membentang.

Salah satu performance Kumiko-chan bisa dilihat di sini.

Setelah pulang, Kumiko-chan bertanya, Tadi itu ngapain kok banyak orang yang tua-tua?

Ooh, besok adalah hari untuk kakek-nenek, orang yang sudah tua sekali. Kita mengucapkan terimakasih
karena nenek-kakek telah melahirkan orang tua kita, sudah menanam padi dan bekerja dengan giat,
sudah menjaga kebersihan di dekat rumah kitabanyak sekali. Jawabku, sambil mengayuh sepeda
menuju apartemen.

Tapi kok nenekku tidak ada?

Hehembah uti dan mbah Kong kan di Indonesia sayang. Jauh sekali kalau harus ke Jepang. Nanti,
kalau mbak Nada pulang ke Indonesia, juga harus mengucapkan terimakasih ya. Soalnya, mbah uti udah
melahirkan abi dan umi. Mbah uti juga njagain mbak Nada waktu kecil.

Ehm.

Semoga Kumiko-chan bisa belajar untuk selalu menghormati orang tua, tak melupakan jasa mereka.

https://istikumayati.wordpress.com/2014/09/14/keiro-no-hi-hari-peringatan-orang-usia-lanjut/
Konnichiwa minasan~

Di bulan September ini, di Jepang, terdapat satu hari libur untuk menghormati orang tua
(manula). Yup, hari libur yang jatuh pada setiap hari Senin ketiga pada bulan September ini
disebut dengan Keiro no Hi (Respect for Aged Day). Apa sih Keiro no Hi itu dan untuk apa ada
hari libur ini?

Asal mula hari ini diyakini berasal dari kepercayaan orang Tionghoa (banyak kebudayaan Jepang
mengadopsi dari Tionghoa). Orang Jepang biasanya mengenakan pakaian merah pada ulang
tahun ke-60 mereka karena usia 60 tahun merupakan satu siklus kehidupan pada kalender
Tionghoa, dan setelah 60 tahun, dikatakan bahwa mereka akan menjadi bayi kembali. Bayi di
Jepang dipanggil aka-chan, atau si merah.

Keiro no Hi (Hari Menghormati Manula) merupakan hari di mana orang-orang Jepang

memperhatikan manula secara khusus. Para tetangga secara sukarela membagikan obento atau
nasi kotak kepada orang-orang tua (manula) di lingkungannya. Ada pula pertunjukkan keirokai
yang diselenggarakan di desa-desa yang mana pemuda-pemudi dan anak-anak sekolah
mempersiapkan tarian dan nyanyian untuk sebuah upacara keirokai yang spesial. Manula yang
hadir akan disuguhi makan siang, teh, dan kue-kue setelah pertunjukan tersebut.

Keiro no Hi tidak harus dirayakan secara besar-besaran layaknya festival. Para cucu juga bisa
merayakan hari tersebut dengan kegiatan seperti membantu kakek-nenek di rumah, memijat
mereka, memberi bunga, hadiah ataupun kartu, dan sebagainya. Keluarga-keluarga
menghabiskan waktu bersama dan berdoa untuk kesehatan kakek dan nenek. Inti dari Keiro no
Hi adalah mengingat kakek-nenek yang mungkin keberadaannya sering terlupakan dan
menyenangkan mereka

Bagi orang Jepang, Keiro no Hi merupakan hari yang sangat penting dan tidak boleh terlupa.
Perayaan besar atau sederhana memiliki nilai dan makna yang sama penting. Nah, meskipun di
Indonesia tidak ada hari seperti ini secara resmi, tidak ada salahnya dong kita ikut merayakan
Keiro no Hi untuk lebih menghormati dan menyayangi kakek-nenek ataupun orang-orang usia
lanjut. Sebuah pelukan hangat bisa sangat berarti bagi mereka loh!

Sampai di sini dulu ya. Sampai jumpa di artikel selanjutnya! Mata ne~

https://id.manabillage.com/posts/395
Hari Lansia keirou no hi

Hari Lansia (lanjut usia) Keiro no Hi (image by google)

Hari Lansia (lanjut usia)

Hari ini, 17 September 2012 adalah hari libur nasional di Jepang. hari ini dijadikan hari libur
bukan karena tanggalnya 17 September, melainkan karena tanggal 17 September bertepatan
dengan hari senin minggu ketiga September.

Di Jepang, Senin minggu ketiga September diperingati sebagai Keiro no Hi, . Dilihat dari
huruf kanji pembentuk istilah ini, memiliki cara baca uyamau (cara baca Jepang) dan kei (cara
baca China), dan yang berarti respect atau menghormati. memiliki cara baca oi (cara
baca Jepang) dan rou (cara baca China), dan yang berarti old age atau tua (usia). Sedangkan
dibaca dengan hi, yang berarti hari. Jadi adalah Hari Lanjut Usia, hari khusus untuk
menghormati dan mencintai para lanjut usia.

Data statistik penduduk lanjut usia

Sudah bukan rahasia lagi, bahwa jumlah penduduk Jepang yang lanjut usia kian hari kian
bertambah. Bila pembaca memiliki kesempatan berkunjung ke daerah pedesaan, maka
pembaca akan menyaksikan fenomena, di mana ada desa yang hanya berpenduduk para lanjut
usia saja. Pengamatan penulis sendiri pada saat melakukan survey di kota Oguni prefektur
Yamagata, terdapat beberapa sekolah dasar yang terpaksa harus ditutup karena tidak ada
murid. Fenomena ini menunjukkan bahwa di daerah tersebut lebih banyak dihuni oleh para
lanjut usia.

Di daerah perkotaan lebih berimbang, mengingat mereka yang tinggal di perkotaan umumnya
mereka yang masih produktif. Tetapi meskipun demikian, kita masih dapat menyaksikan
fenomena banyaknya para lanjut usia jika kita menaiki Bus yang dalam waktu-waktu tertentu
penumpangnya sebagian besar adalah para lanjut usia.

Berdasarkan data statistik dari kementerian dalam negeri dan komunikasi Jepang , tahun
lalu (September 2011) jumlah penduduk lanjut usia Jepang (di atas 65 tahun) adalah
29.800.000 orang, 23.3 % dari total jumlah penduduk Jepang yang berjumlah sekitar
127.800.000 orang. Berdasarkan data ini, setidaknya dalam 4 orang terdapat 1 orang lanjut
usia.Berdasarkan kelompok umur, mereka yang berumur di atas 75 tahun berjumlah
21.970.000 orang (17.2 % dari total jumlah penduduk), dan mereka yang berumur di atas 80
tahun berjumlah 8.660.000 orang (6.8 % dari total jumlah penduduk). Berdasarkan jenis kelamin,
pria lanjut usia berjumlah 12.730.000 orang, dan wanita lanjut usia berjumlah 17.070.000 orang.

Geliat Ekonomi

Kembali kepada hari libur di atas, menyambut perayaan keirou no hi, setiap toserba (depaato),
toko kelontong (konbini) di Jepang menawarkan dan menyediakan beragam bingkisan yang
dapat dibeli sebagai hadiah untuk mereka yang memiliki orang tua lanjut usia atau kepada
kakek dan nenek. Bingkisannya juga beragam, mulai dari bunga, buah-buahan, kue, pakaian,
hingga sake (bir dll). Semua bingkisan tersebut dikemas dalam bentuk yang sangat menarik,
sehingga mampu menarik minat pembeli. Harganya juga beragam, berdasarkan survey Yahoo
Shopping harga rata-rata bingkisan tersebut sekitar 4.270 Yen. Sedangkan bingkisan yang
paling diminati berada pada kisaran harga 3.000 yen. Masih berdasarkan hasil survey tersebut,
bingkisan yang populer adalah bingkisan berupa bunga. Setiap toserba berlomba-lomba
memberikan pelayanan berupa gratis biaya pengiriman ke seluruh Jepang. sehingga mereka
yang berdomisili di daerah perkotaan dapat mengirimkan bingkisan kepada orang tua, kakek
atau nenek mereka yang tinggal di daerah pedesaan.

Bunga kiriman di hari lansia (by google)

Kartu Ucapan Selamat Hari lansia (by google)

Ucapan Selamat Hari Lansia

Ada yang bertanya : Ucapan Selamat Hari Lansia ini ditujukan kepada mereka yang berusia
barapa ? Sebenarnya tidak ada ketetapan usia untuk merayakan hari lansia. salah satu sumber
mengatakan bahwa pada awalnya hari lansia dirayakan oleh mereka yang telah memiliki cucu.
Nah, usia seperti ini sangatlah relatif. tetapi menurut hemat penulis usia yang pas untuk
merayakan hari lansia ini adalah mereka yang berusia di atas 70 tahun.

Berikut ucapan selamat hari lansia :

Kami kirimkan ucapan "Selamat" penuh

cinta di hari lansia

Kakek dan nenek, Terima kasih atas perhatianmu. kami sangat berbahagia menjumpai
mu.
Untuk mu
kakek dan nenek. saya mengirimkan kue kesukaan kalian berdua. jaga kesehatan yah.
selamat hari lansia.
semoga panjang umur.

Terima kasih sudah memperhatikan kami. jaga kesehatan yah.

Selamat hari lansia. jadilah selalu teladan kami. semoga sehat dan panjang umur.
Selamat hari lansia. semoga
hari-harimu menyenangkan.

Kami turut berbahagia menyambut hari lansia. kami berdoa semoga kalian tetap sehat
selamanya.

Kehidupan Para Lanjut Usia

Seperti halnya para penduduk di Negara maju, di Jepang para orang tua yang sudah lanjut usia
umumnya tinggal sendirian. Tentu ada juga yang masih mempertahankan tradisi terdahulu,
yaitu tetap tinggal bersama keluarga besar, tetapi persentasenya sangat sedikit. Para lanjut
usia yang tinggal bersama anak dan cucunya tentu sangat beruntung. Tetapi mereka yang
terpaksa tinggal sendirian, terpaksa melakukan segala sesuatunya sendirian. Seperti kita
ketahui bersama, adanya empat musim di jepang membuat kehidupan setiap musim akan
berbeda-beda. Yang paling menyulitkan para lansia adalah pada saat musim dingin. mereka
yang tinggal di daerah banyak turun salju seperti di Prefektur Hokkaidou, Aomori, Akita, Niigata,
Iwate, Yamagata hingga Miyagi akan sangat kesulitan menjalani hari-hari selama musim dingin.
mereka harus membersihkan salju yang menumpuk dari halaman hingga atap rumah, sehingga
menghalangi pintu. Bisa dibayangkan, bila mereka tidak membersihkan setiap hari, mereka
tidak akan dapat keluar rumah karena rumah akan tertimbun salju. Tidak heran banyak para
lanjut usia yang meninggal dunia pada musim dinggin. Penyebab utamanya adalah meninggal
karena kedinginan, dan meninggal karena terjatuh pada saat membersihkan salju.

Rahasia Umur Panjang

Meskipun sudah lanjut usia, orang Jepang masih terlihat sehat dan kuat. beberapa diantara
mereka masih terlihat mengemudikan mobil sendiri. Dalam wawancara televisi terhadap pemilik
rekor manusia tertua di Jepang, pria berumur 115 tahun, dan wanita berumur 108 tahun yang
masih aktif sebagai reporter di sebuah stasiun televisi lokal mengatakan rahasia panjang umur
mereka terletak pada makanan dan pola makan itu sendiri. mereka tidak mengkonsumsi
makanan berlemak. Mereka tidak mengkonsumsi daging, lebih banyak sayuran dan buah-
buahan. Kemudian rahasia utamanya adalah porsi makan yang sedikit. Dalam sebuah acara
televisi, seorang dokter Jepang mengklaim "bila anda ingin sehat dan ingin berumur panjang,
maka makanlah satu kali dalam satu hari".

Demikianlah fenomena Hari Lanjut Usia dan kehidupan para Lanjut Usia di Jepang. penulis
berfikir, selain Jepang sukses mengembangkan berbagai teknologi, mereka juga sukses dalam
memproduksi para Lanjut Usia. Para pakar bahkan memprediksikan tahun 2060 nanti hampir
seluruh warga Jepang adalah para lanjut usia.

Walaupun di Indonesia tidak ada hari lanjut usia, tetapi dengan kultur kita yang sangat
mengagungkan orang tua, tentu kita setiap hari dapat memberikan apresiasi setidaknya berupa
perhatian terhadap mereka. mengenai rahasia panjang umur, resep yang diberikan pria dan
wanita tertua di Jepang di atas, sudah dimiliki oleh umat muslim, yakni dengan menjalankan
puasa sunnah Senin-Kamis.

http://ali-mansyar.blogspot.com/2012/09/hari-lansia-keirou-no-hi.html
SEPTEMBER
Senin ketiga September (hari libur nasional)
Penghormatan Orang Lanjut Usia (keiro no hi): Menghormati orang tua dan umur panjang yang
dirayakan pada hari libur nasional ini.Senin minggu ke-3 bulan September Hari Penghormatan
Orang Lanjut Usia (Keir no hi) Respect for the Aged Day. Hari memperhatikan
kesejahteraan orang lanjut usia.
Hari untuk Menghormati Kaum Manula
Hari untuk mengungkapkan rasa hormat kepada orang-orang yang berusia lanjut, yang telah
bekerja keras bagi masyarakat selama bertahun-tahun, dan merayakan panjang usianya

gambar:masyarakat jepang yan merayakan hari penghormatan para manula

http://erwinanar.blogspot.com/2010/10/kalender-acara-tahunan-jepang.html
17. Keiro No Hi, Hari Orang Tua, Hari Senin pekan ke-3 di bulan September (kebudayaan)
Masyarakat memberikan penghormatan kepada orang yang sudah lanjut usia, bisa berupa
mengadakan acara bersama mereka, mengundang kakek- nenek bermain ke sekolah para cucu,
mengirimkan kartu pos, dll.

http://www.fahima.org/en/seputar-jepang41/811-mengenalharibesardanperayaanjepang.html
Ojigi,Makna membungkuk budaya jepang
Dungni - Di Jepang, terdapat budaya menghormati kepada lawan bicara dengan membungkukkan badan,
misalnya saat mengucapkan terimah kasih, permintaan maaf, memberikan ijazah saat wisuda, dan lain
sebagainya itu disebut dengan OJIGI. Nah sebenarnya disinilah letak rasa hormat orang jepang kepada
budaya mereka, dimana mereka sekarang sedang berlomba-lomba untuk menciptakan teknologi mereka
tetap tidak meninggalkan budaya mereka.

Berdasarkan intensitasnya, Ojigi dibagi menjadi 3, yaitu ;

1) Saikeirei, yaitu level yang paling tinggi badan dibungkukkan sekitar 45 derajat atau lebih.
2) Keirei, yaitu badan dibungkukkan sekitar 30-45 derajat.
3) Eshaku, yaitu membungkukkan badan sekitar 15-30 derajat.
Namun Saikeirei sangat jarang dilakukan dalam keseharian, karena Saikeirei digunakan saat
mengungkapkan rasa maaf yang sangat mendalam atu melakukan sembahyang.
Saya akan menjelaskan sedikit tentang 5 cara membungkuk orang jepang :

1. Mengangguk Pelan, 5 Derajat:

Ini hanya anggukan kecil kepala. Cara anggukan ini lebih ditujukan jika kita bertemu dengan teman lama,
tetangga, atau keluarga dekat. Oh ya, kalau kita orang yang berpangkat tinggi (seperti Perdana Menteri
atau Boss Yakuza), kita juga bisa mengangguk pelan seperti ini kepada orang-orang yang membungkuk
ke kita. Ini artinya orang lain-lah yang harus lebih menghormati kita, kita cukup mengangguk pelan saja
untuk menerima penghormatannya.

2. Membungkuk Salam (Eshaku / ), 15 Derajat:

Cara membungkuk ini sedikit lebih formal. Digunakan untuk memberi salam kepada orang-orang yang
sudah kita kenal di kantor atau kepada orang-orang yang kita tahu tapi tidak terlalu kenal.

3. Membungkuk Hormat (Keirei / ), 30 derajat:

Ini adalah cara membungkuk yang sangat formal. Digunakan untuk menunjukan rasa hormat kita kepada
boss di kantor, kepada orang-orang yang jabatannya lebih tinggi atau kepada mereka yang jauh lebih tua.

4. Membungkuk Hormat Tertinggi (Sai-keirei / ), 45 derajat:

Ini adalah cara membungkuk yang mempunyai arti sangat dalam. Ini adalah cara kita menunjukkan rasa
bersalah kita yang sangat dalam. Ini adalah cara kita meminta maaf kalau kita melakukan kesalahan
besar. Atau bisa juga digunakan untuk memberikan hormat kepada orang-orang yang sangat tinggi
jabatan dan status sosialnya, seperti Kaisar Jepang misalnya.

5. Membungkuk Berlutut:
Kita tidak akan terlalu sering melihat orang membungkuk seperti ini di muka umum, karena cara
membungkuk seperti ini adalah cara membungkuk yang amat sangat dalam artinya. Orang akan berlutut
seperti ini jika dia telah melakukan kesalahan fatal, seperti kesalahan yang mengakibatkan kematian
orang lain. Ini juga cara orang-orang menghormati Kaisar di jaman dulu.
Diatas adalah budaya rasah hormat (membungkuk) orang jepang kepada lawan bicara mereka.
Sent from my BlackBerry smartphone

http://dungni.blogspot.com/2013/09/ojigimakna-membungkuk-budaya-jepang.html
Setiap tanggal 21 September, Jepang menjadi syahdu, hari itu mereka khususkan untuk
menunjukkan rasa hormat pada orang-orang yang berusia lanjut. Hari ini disebut Keiro no hi,
atau Hari Menghormati Lansia. Mengapa sampai dibuatkan hari khusus untuk menunjukkan
rasa hormat ini? Karena bagi orang Jepang, para lansia adalah pelayan-pelayan negara, orang-
orang yang ikut berperan dalam kemajuan Jepang, dan mereka telah berperan, berkontribusi,
dan melayani negara selama bertahun-tahun, seperti usianya. Hal ini bisa menjadi inspirasi dan
bahan introspeksi bagi kita. Di Jepang, lansia tidak dianggap jompo, atau sudah tidak ada
gunanya lagi. Selama hidupnya, sepanjang masa mudanya, orang Jepang sibuk bekerja,
berdedikasi untuk melayani negara dengan caranya masing-masing, sehingga pada masa
tuanya dimana ia sudah tidak bertenaga untuk bekerja, ia menjadi pahlawan, seseorang yang
dihormati negara, sampai dibuatkan hari Keiro no hi.

Selain diperingati, hari ini juga dibuat menjadi libur nasional. Sungguh mengagumkan
bagaimana pemerintah Jepang mau membuat hari libur untuk mengingat kontribusi generasi
yang lebih dahulu; mereka adalah pendidik dan pembangun masyarakat, sehingga bagi orang
Jepang, wajar jika mereka ingin menunjukkan rasa hormat yang khusus bagi generasi tersebut.
Tidak ada arak-arakan atau festival seperti matsuri, biasanya orang Jepang merayakan hari ini
cukup dengan mengajak makan kakek-neneknya di rumah makan yang mewah, atau memberi
hadiah.

Keiro no hi 1
SUMBER FOTO: GREETING CARD

Keiro no hi 2
Sumber Foto : blackcabbit.files

Wah walaupun di Indonesia tidak ada hari seperti itu, tidak ada salahnya ya kita menunjukkan
rasa hormat pada orang tua kita dengan melakukan sesuatu yang spesial sesekali. Seru dan
membuat hatimu syahdu juga pasti, aniBEEs ^__^

-Keisha

http://anibee.tv/news/id/fashion-lifestyle/3067/budaya-jepang-keiro-no-hi-menghormati-mereka-
yang-lanjut-usia
Setiap Ide dan Momen Adalah Berharga untuk Diabadikan

Jumat, 28 November 2014

Dari Jepang Kita dapat Belajar Menghormati Orang Tua

Miris sekali saat melihat anak-anak muda zaman sekarang yang mulai berkurang sopan santunnya
terhadap orang tua. Entah itu di kehidupan sehari-hari ataupun contoh melalui sinetron dan film-film.
Anak yang membentak orang tuanya, murid yang menyepelekan gurunya, serta tindak-tanduk lain yang
sebetulnya tak patut ditayangkan televisi dan dicontoh. Beberapa hari yang lalu saya juga menyaksikan
seorang anak yang berbicara agak kasar kepada orang tuanya. Kalau bahasa Jawa-nya si anak
menggunakan bahasa ngoko, bahasa yang seharusnya diperuntukkan untuk sesama teman atau
seorang yang lebih muda. Perlu diketahui, dalam budaya jawa ada 3 tingkatan bahasa yang disesuaikan
dengan penggunaan atau lawan bicaranya, kromo halus untuk orang yang dihormati, orang tua atau
dituakan, kromo inggil bahasa sehari-hari yang dianggap lebih baik daripada menggunakan bahasa
ngoko yang kasar.

Pertumbuhan anak memang tak jauh dari didikan orang tuanya, namun setidaknya setelah remaja atau
dewasa anak tersebut akan lebih tahu dan mengerti mana perbuatan yang baik dan mana perbuatan
yang buruk. Untuk menumbuhkan kesadaran itu salah satunya dengan cara belajar, melihat, membaca
dan menyadari, lalu melakukan. Mengerti bahwa perbuatan menghormati orang tua adalah suatu
keharusan. Selain perintah dari agama, penghormatan terhadap orang tua merupakan satu nilai luhur
yang dapat menjadi ciri khas bangsa. Bangsa yang arif, bangsa yang bijaksana adalah bangsa yang
menghormati para leluhur, guru serta orang tuanya.

Salah satu bangsa yang patut dicontoh karena budaya menghormati orang tua adalah bangsa
Jepang. Meskipun terbilang negara yang modern, namun Jepang masih menjunjung budaya
menghormati orang tua, orang yang lebih tua atau guru mereka. Contoh itu dapat kita lihat di film-film
maupun kartun Jepang, nampak anak yang menghormati orang tua dan suka membantu orang tuanya
bekerja. Contoh lain lagi dalam film yang berlatar belakang kehidupan ninja, seorang murid sangat
menghormati dan memperlakukan gurunya dengan sangat baik, si murid berjuang keras melindungi
gurunya agar tidak diserang oleh musuh, bahkan rela berkorban untuk sang Guru. Jepang juga memiliki
senioritas yang kuat, misalnya dalam rapat karyawan yang lebih tua dipersilakan berbicara terlebih
dahulu.

Budaya menghormati orang tua ini telah memasyarakat di Jepang, misal di halte atau di stasiun
para orang tua akan diperlakukan dengan baik, juga diberikan tempat khusus agar lebih aman.
Terkadang orang tua juga ikut mengantri saat hendak memasuki bus atau kereta tanpa ada rasa
khawatir tersingkir atau terdesak oleh calon penumpang lain. Juga, baru-baru ini ada salah perusahaan
taksi terbesar di kota Tokyo melakukan inovasi yakni membuka layanan taksi tamasya yang khusus
melayani anak-anak, manula, dan para difabel. Para sopir yang mayoritas orang tua itu diberikan
pendidikan khusus mengenai psikologi orang tua maupun perawatan kesehatan. Kalau para sopir sudah
memiliki klasifikasi mengemudi, maka sopir bisa melayani para manula di panti jompo.
 Para orang tua di Jepang sedang ikut mengantre bus di halte (sumber: http://www.denpasar.id.emb-
japan.go.jp)

Keadaan ini sungguh jauh berbeda ketika kita melihat kondisi para orang tua di Indonesia. Tidak
hanya masyarakatnya saja yang belum terlihat ramah kepada para orang tua, namun juga negara.
Terkadang juga terlihat dari para karyawan toko maupun restoran yang lebih mengutamakan orang yang
nampak gagah, cantik, kaya dan muda daripada melayani orang tua yang terlihat jompo dan lemah.
Padahal, jika diingat-ingat dari para orang tua inilah kita berasal, lahir, tumbuh, dan besar. Tidak hanya
itu, hal-hal kecil tentang hak orang tua pun juga belum diperhatikan oleh negara dan para pelayan publik,
misal penyediaan infrastruktur yang ramah dan menjamin keamanan orang tua, pemberian porsi acara
televisi untuk sasaran mereka, dan kolom-kolom koran yang membahas tentang kehidupan para orang
tua. Jika diamati, ternyata sasaran untuk anak muda dan dewasa saat ini yang paling diperhatikan oleh
media, baik itu koran, majalah maupun televisi. Sehingga, sebagai salah satu kaum muda saya juga
memiliki rasa bersalah terhadap mereka. Kadang kita terlalu keras menuntut hak-hak kaum kita (baca:
kepentingan kaum muda) sehingga melalaikan hak pihak lain.

Tulisan ini mungkin hanya sebagian (suara) para orang-orang tua yang tak terdengar oleh telinga
kita dan Indonesia. Semoga saja setiap perilaku baik dapat kita contoh dari negara Jepang, tidak hanya
dari gaya harajuku-nya saja. Karena siapa tahu keadaan carut marut bangsa ini salah satunya berasal
dari kita yang sedang lalai menghormati para orang tua dan guru-guru kita, siapa tahu.

http://silakandibuka.blogspot.com/2014/11/dari-jepang-kita-dapat-belajar.html