Japan's Move Towards "Family Day" in Schools and Communities

In Japan, Father's Day falls on June 15th this year. However, numerous kindergartens and day care centers are shifting towards "family day" celebrations, replacing the traditional Mother's Day and Father's Day observances.

This change reflects the evolving family structures in Japan. A significant portion of families with children, approximately 10%, are single-parent households. This shift acknowledges the diverse family dynamics present in contemporary society.

Parents have expressed their sentiments regarding "family day." Some have shared their positive experiences online, highlighting the inclusivity of the new approach. Others have expressed gratitude for the consideration of varying family situations.

The Asahi day care center in Ube city adopted family day three years ago. Previously, children created separate gifts for Mother's Day and Father's Day. Now, they celebrate a single special day in late May, where children craft gifts to give to significant figures in their lives, such as parents, grandparents, or family friends.

The Poppins Nursery School group, with multiple day care locations across Japan, also organizes family day events in May or June. These events often involve children creating gifts for their family members and sometimes displaying family photographs.

However, not all institutions have embraced this change. Some kindergartens and day care centers continue to observe Mother's Day and Father's Day separately. Single parents also hold varied perspectives. Some single mothers have expressed joy in receiving gifts and drawings from their children on Father's Day, while others prefer the traditional separate celebrations.

Libraries and shops are also adapting. The Omori-Minami Library in Tokyo, which previously displayed children's artwork for Mother's Day and Father's Day, now hosts a "family portrait exhibition" instead. A library worker explained that the change was implemented to accommodate the diverse family structures present today.