Mother's Day in Japan, or (Haha no Hi), is a special occasion celebrated on the second Sunday of May. This is the same with the tradition in many countries worldwide.
This celebration often involves the deeply ingrained gift-giving culture in Japan. Whether it's a thoughtful handmade item, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or a carefully chosen gift, the act of giving plays a significant role in expressing love and appreciation on Mother's Day in Japan.
According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, 47% of the respondents are on the hunt for that special, one-of-a-kind gift that truly stands out, while 42% are looking for gifts that “create a special memory.” This statistic reflects the global desire to make Mother's Day memorable and heartfelt, a sentiment that is equally strong in Japan.
Keep reading to learn more about this tradition and how you can celebrate Mother's Day the Japanese way.
How Did Mother's Day in Japan Start?
People aren't entirely sure when Mother's Day first began in Japan. Some believe it was brought over by Christian missionaries in 1913, while another theory suggests that it started on March 6th, 1931, to honor the birthday of Empress Kojun, who was the mother of Emperor Akihito at the time.
It's likely that both stories hold some truth, with the celebration possibly initially introduced by missionaries and later redefined to align with the Empress's birthday.
During World War II, Japan banned all parties or events from the West, which included Mother's Day. This prohibition suggests that if Mother's Day had been a celebration originating purely from Japanese tradition for the Emperor’s mother, there would have been no reason to ban it.
Japanese Mother's Day Cuisine
In Japan, Mother's Day is often associated with eggs, making it a delightful tradition to prepare egg-based Japanese dishes as part of the celebration! Here are some examples of the dishes typically enjoyed on this special day.
1. Tamagoyaki
Tamagoyaki is a Japanese omelet that looks easy but can be tricky to cook. It's specially made by rolling it up several times. It tastes great when it's light and fluffy. The taste can be different in different parts of Japan: sometimes it's sweet, like in the Kanto region, but in places like Kyoto, in the Kansai area, it's usually salty.
Image Source: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/tamagoyaki
2. Oyakodon
Oyakodon is a delicious Japanese comfort dish! It's basically a rice bowl with chicken, eggs, and onion cooked in a soy sauce and dashi broth. The name means "parent and child bowl" because it uses both chicken and egg. While it's quite simple to prepare, getting the heat just right can be a challenge to avoid burning the broth or eggs.
Making this recipe for Oyakodon on Mother's Day would be a wonderful way to show your mom how much you appreciate her.
Image Source: https://www.justonecookbook.com/oyakodon/
3. Chawanmushi
This dish comes from Japan and you'll often find it in special spots like temples where you can also stay overnight, or in very traditional eating places. It's a steamed egg custard and you can put different toppings on it like carrots, shiitake mushrooms, or Japanese fish cake. It's typically served as a side dish.
Image Source: https://www.justonecookbook.com/chawanmushi-savory-steamed-egg-custard/
Great Gift Ideas for a Japanese Mothers’ Day Celebration
In Japan, expressing gratitude towards mothers often involves giving gifts, similar to customs around the globe. Below are some great japanese gift ideas that you can give on Mother's Day.
1. Calligraphy Set
If your mom likes art or wants to learn calligraphy, getting her a calligraphy set from Japan would be a great idea. In Japan, this kind of writing, called "shodo," is very important as a way to make art and express yourself.
Image Source: https://www.japancentre.com/en/categories/10901-calligraphy
2. Imabari Towels
Towels are made by weaving threads together. Giving someone a towel means you want to strengthen your ties with them, similar to how threads are connected. Just like in the legend of the "red thread of fate," a red thread symbolizes human connections, love, family, or friendship.
So, giving a special towel like an Imabari towel is a wonderful way to show your mom your appreciation. A towel gift set can be one of the best ways to make her feel loved and remind her to take some time for self-care, even as she looks after the family.
Japarcana offers the most authentic Japanese Imabari towels – perfect gifts that promise genuine delight. Explore our collection and enjoy an authentic Japanese experience from the comfort of your home.
3. Japanese Beauty Products
Give your mom some luxury skincare or beauty items from Japan, which are famous for being high quality and innovative. These products give moms a chance to relax and look after their own health and happiness. Also, by picking these kinds of gifts, you are telling your mom she's loved and important.
4. Bento Box and Accessories
A Bento Box and Accessories make a wonderful gift choice for a mom who either loves cooking or has an appreciation for Japanese cuisine. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the dining experience.
5. Traditional Japanese Tea Set
A Traditional Japanese Tea Set is important in Japanese culture because it represents welcoming guests, peace, and bonding. For a mom who values Japanese customs and likes the calm practice of tea ceremonies, this gift can be extraordinary.
Final Words
Celebrating Mother's Day in Japan embraces both heartfelt traditions and the joy of giving. Let these ideas inspire you to show your appreciation in a way that beautifully reflects both your mother's interests and the rich culture of Japan. Whether through a thoughtful gift or a shared experience, the essence of this day lies in expressing love and gratitude.
Connect with us now and let us help you make your Mother's Day celebration even more memorable with special Japanese Imabari towels. Or, join our mailing list for more updates! Happy celebrating!