Contents
Introduction
Mother’s Day in Japan, locally known as 母の日 “Haha no Hi,” is a heartfelt celebration held annually on the second Sunday of May. This day mirrors the global tradition of honoring motherhood with gestures of love and appreciation. This article aims to explore how the Japanese celebrate Mother’s Day, highlight current trends, and delve into creative ideas for gifts and messages that resonate with this special occasion.
How Japanese People Celebrate Mother’s Day
- Sending Fresh Flowers: A predominant way to celebrate Mother’s Day in Japan involves sending bouquets. According to recent Google Trends data, searches for “mother’s day bouquet mailing” have surged, indicating a strong preference for this traditional gift.
- Sending Messages: Another popular method to convey appreciation is through messages. Google Trends shows a high volume of searches for terms such as “Mother’s Day message,” “mother’s day message for mother-in-law,” and “mother’s day letter.”
- Giving Presents: Gift-giving remains a staple of Mother’s Day, with both traditional and modern gifts being exchanged.
When Does Japan Start Thinking About Mother’s Day?
The interest in Mother’s Day begins to peak around the Golden Week in Japan, a series of national holidays in early May, which serves as an ideal time for people to start planning their Mother’s Day celebrations.
Recent Trends on Mother’s Day in Japan
Recent surveys shed light on evolving trends regarding how Mother’s Day is celebrated in Japan:
- Increased Gift-Giving: A fixed-point survey from 2023 revealed that 66.4% of respondents gave gifts on Mother’s Day, the highest percentage recorded over the past years. This increase is attributed to more frequent family outings post-pandemic, enhancing the focus on gift-giving.
- Gifts for Mother-in-Laws: It is also becoming increasingly common to honor mothers-in-law on this day, with 60.2% of participants in a 2023 survey reporting they gave gifts to their mother-in-law.
3. Rise of e-Gifts: The trend towards digital convenience has seen a rise in e-gifts, such as LINE Gift, Starbucks e-gifts, and Amazon gift cards, reflecting a shift in how gifts are being purchased and delivered.
Creatives During Mother’s Day in Japan
During Mother’s Day, advertising creatives in Japan includes typical themes that emphasizes warmth, familial bonds, and gratitude. Pastel colors and floral designs dominate, aiming to evoke the softness and nurturing qualities associated with mothers. Often includes messages of thanks and elegant yet simple typography that resonates emotionally with consumers.
Creatives often include manga/cartoon-like assets more than the use of images of real human.
Conclusion
Mother’s Day in Japan is a deeply significant occasion that blends traditional and modern elements of celebration. From the choice of gifts to the timing and mode of their delivery, the ways in which Japanese people express their appreciation for mothers are evolving, influenced by broader social changes and technological advancements. The focus on both mothers and mothers-in-law also highlights the inclusive nature of familial appreciation in Japan. As societal norms continue to shift, the celebration of Mother’s Day in Japan is likely to develop further, offering new insights into the values that shape Japanese culture.
