Let's celebrate longevity and Respect for the Aged Day together!

Celebrating the longevity of grandparents, such as their "60th birthday" or "77th birthday," is called a "Kaju" celebration. It is common to start celebrating at the milestone of the 60th birthday, which is close to the age when Respect for the Aged Day is celebrated, so recently it seems that many people celebrate both Kaju and Respect for the Aged Day together.

[About the types of celebrations]

1. Kanreki (60th birthday)
- Age: 60 - Meaning: Celebrating the beginning of a new stage in life. The 60th birthday symbolizes longevity and wisdom, and is especially important as it is an opportunity to strengthen ties with family and friends.
- Color: Red is the most common color and symbolizes a new start in life and vitality.

2. Kiju (77th birthday)
- Age: 70 - Meaning: Celebrating the joys and happiness of life. Showing gratitude and respect for having lived a long life.
- Color: White and yellow are used to represent wishes for a pure heart and a prosperous life.

3. Sanju (80th birthday)
- Age: 80 - Meaning: Blessings for longevity and good health. Like an umbrella, it represents living life to the fullest even in old age.
- Color: Purple is the most common color and symbolizes dignity and nobility.

4. Sotsuju (90th birthday)
- Age: 90 - Meaning: Celebrating longevity and dignity. Honoring the wisdom and experience gained over a long life.
- Color: Black is used, which shows deep respect and reverence.

5. Hyakuju (Centenarian)
- Age: 100 years old - Meaning: Celebrating the sacred 100 years. Congratulating and honoring the person for reaching the pinnacle of longevity.
- Color: Gold and white are used, representing holiness and purity.

These ages mark important milestones in life and provide an opportunity to celebrate longevity and happiness as well as strengthen bonds between family and community.

[Giving a gift to celebrate longevity]

1. Choose a gift that matches the recipient's hobbies It may be a good idea to choose a gift for a longevity celebration that matches the recipient's hobbies. With the hope that the recipient will live a long and healthy life, they will be pleased if you give them a product made of "red sea bream leather," a symbol of longevity, or "salmon leather," which is considered auspicious.

2. Be conscious of the color of the celebration When celebrating longevity, it is a good idea to choose a gift that is conscious of the color of the age. For example, by giving items that match the traditional colors of longevity celebrations, such as red for the 60th birthday and purple for the 77th birthday, you can further liven up the celebratory atmosphere.

3. Choose an auspicious pattern Gifts from the sea: Characteristics of red sea bream and salmon to give on Respect for the Aged Day

Red sea bream and salmon are gifts rooted in Japanese tradition and have excellent reasons to be suitable for Respect for the Aged Day.

Red sea bream

Red sea bream is known as a high-class fish that is indispensable for celebrations due to its beautiful scale pattern and deep color. Its transparent and three-dimensional scale pattern adds elegance to gifts. Since ancient times, red sea bream has been considered "auspicious" and has been treasured as a lucky charm. Red sea bream leather given on Respect for the Aged Day is the perfect way to express the giver's respect and gratitude.

Salmon

Salmon is characterized by its uniform, three-dimensional scale pattern and fine texture. In Japan, it is known as an auspicious fish, due to the words "prosperous descendants" and "avoiding danger (sakeru)". Salmon also symbolize vitality and sustainability, as they grow by overcoming harsh environments and returning to the river where they were born. Salmon leather given on Respect for the Aged Day will be a heartwarming gift that will wish the recipient happiness and longevity.

Red sea bream and salmon leather are perfect gifts that evoke the bounty of the sea and the richness of nature, making them the perfect gift for a special occasion like Respect for the Aged Day. The thought put into the gift and the blessing for the recipient will make the important day even more special.

4. Choose the right time to give your gift

The timing of gift-giving is also important. It is a good idea to choose a time when family and relatives are likely to gather together, such as a birthday, Respect for the Aged Day, New Year's Day, or Obon. Also, since it is a celebration, choosing an auspicious day is also a way to bring happiness.

Gifts for longevity celebrations are an important opportunity to express gratitude and respect to the recipient, as well as to wish them good health and happiness. Choose something that will please the recipient, and give it wholeheartedly.