Father’s Day, or "Chichi no Hi" in Japan, is celebrated on the third Sunday of June each year. In 2024, it will be on June 16.
In Japanese, there are two main words for father: "chichi" and "otousan." "Chichi" is used when talking about your own father, while "otousan" is used when referring to someone else's father. However, you can also use "otousan" to address your own father.
This special day, much like in countries such as the United States and Canada, is a time to honor fathers and father figures. Although not a public holiday, it’s still an important event to show gratitude and respect to fathers.
Keep reading to learn more about Japanese culture in celebrating Father's Day and how you can celebrate this special day with a Japanese touch.
How Did Father’s Day Begin
Father’s Day originated in the United States in 1910. It was initiated by a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a single parent of six children. The concept gained popularity, and in 1972, it became an official holiday in the US.
In Japan, it started in the late 1900s. It's a day for giving gifts and spending quality time with family. Common gifts include sake (a Japanese alcoholic drink), special foods, and sweets called wagashi. Fashion items like neckties and watches are also popular choices to show appreciation for dads.
On this day, families often enjoy big meals together featuring special foods like wagyu (Japanese beef) and grilled eel. Other common gifts include cards, thank-you notes, cash, gift cards, and origami creations. Some children even give their dads flowers to start the day.
Japanese Meals and Activities for Father’s Day
Japanese families celebrate Father's Day with special meals at home or in restaurants. They enjoy homemade foods like beef, sushi, chicken, and spring rolls. Restaurants also have tasty dishes like fried chicken, grilled rice balls, and sashimi.
Besides eating, families have fun together. They visit places like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, or they try activities like tea ceremonies, hot springs, and exploring castles and temples. Sports events and rides on the fast train, or Shinkansen, also make Father’s Day fun.
Finding the perfect Father's Day gift in Japan is fun. You can go to places like Ginza for fancy clothes, Shimokitazawa for unique items, or Asakusa for traditional souvenirs.
Modern Trends in Celebrating Father’s Day
While traditional celebrations remain important, modern technology has also influenced how Father’s Day is celebrated in Japan. Online shopping makes it easier to buy and send gifts, even from a distance. Virtual meetings allow families to connect and celebrate together. This keeps the spirit of the day alive.
Japanese dads often enjoy gifts that match their hobbies. Here are some popular Father's Day gifts in Japan:
1. Alcoholic Beverages Premium sake, shochu, and highball sets, often with ceramic decanters and mugs.
2. Personalized Items Handcrafted photo albums, custom-made artwork,and engraved pocket knives.
3. Fashion Items Stylish leather belts, designer sunglasses, trendy sneakers, and fashionable leather wallets.
4.Sports Equipment Premium golf clubs, high-tech cycling gear, rugged hiking backpacks, and professional-grade fitness trackers.
Honor Dads with Japarcana Imabari Towels
If you're still struggling to think of a unique and useful gift that your father will love, why not consider buying him a Japarcana towel? And no, it isn't your ordinary towel.
The towels from Japarcana are actually Imabari towels. Maybe it isn't new that Japanese products are made with so much pride and passion, and that includes Imabari towels. Just like most Japanese products, you can also expect that it's high-quality, soft, and amazingly absorbent.
You don't want to give something that he will just put back in the closet and collect dust. You want a gift that he'll use over and over again. And this makes it more valuable.
That’s the practical side of giving a high-quality Japanese Imabari towel.
But actually, you can also share some cultural meaning of giving this gift.
You may share that in Japan, giving a towel symbolizes a deep connection, just like how threads are woven together to produce a towel. There is even a popular legend in Japan called the red thread of fate. That’s why it’s also a great birthday, housewarming, or wedding gift because it essentially represents deep human connection.
Besides the Japarcana Imabari towel, you also have the option to have it wrapped in a beautiful furoshiki or Japanese gift wrapping. Furoshiki is special since it’s been a part of Japanese culture. It's what people used to wrap their clothes whenever they went to bathhouses.
Instead of the usual paper gift wrapper, why not use a Japanese cloth that is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly? So, from the wrapper to the gift, everything has a Japanese touch and meaning!
Final Words
That’s it! We hope you've found some inspiration on how to celebrate Father’s Day the Japanese way. And once again, Japarcana is here to help you with the best gift ideas through our Imabari towels.
We can bring you authentic Imabari towels all the way from Imabari, the towel capital of Japan. So, check out our collection now, and we’re sure there's something that will make Dad’s day extra special!
Happy celebration!