Celebrating Mother’s Day in Japan 2025

Mother’s Day in Japan, called haha no hi (母の日) , is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. While the idea came from the United States, Japan has added its own special customs and traditions. Today, it is a day for people to thank their mothers with flowers, handmade gifts and time to spend together.

How Mother’s Day started in Japan

Mother’s Day first came to Japan in the early 1900s. Some say it started in Christian churches. Later, in 1931, it was celebrated on March 6, the birthday of Empress Kojun, the mother of Emperor Akihito. After World War II, the holiday changed to the second Sunday of May, the same day as the U.S.

In 1949, Morinaga, a Japanese global snack and sweets company, held a big event called the “Mother’s Day Festival.” They invited thousands of mothers to an amusement park in Tokyo. This event helped spread the holiday all across Japan.

What is the go-to gift for Mother’s Day in Japan?

In Japan, carnations are the most popular flower for Mother’s Day. Red and pink carnations are the top choices. These flowers show love and respect. White carnations are sometimes given in memory of mothers who have passed away.

Aside from carnations, many people buy flower bouquets or potted plants for their moms. Stores and flower shops like Nippon Florist, Japan Florist, Flora Japan and many more prepare for the holiday weeks in advance.

Photo credit: AR Inspired Pencil

Mother’s Day celebrations at school

In Japanese schools, especially kindergartens, children prepare for Mother’s Day in the classroom. They may draw pictures of their moms, sing songs or make crafts. These activities teach children to be thankful and show love to their parents.

How can you make Mother’s Day in Japan special?

Simple & thoughtful gifts

Japanese people often give homemade gifts instead of expensive ones for Mother’s Day. Children write letters, draw pictures or handmake crafts. These gifts are a way to show thanks from the heart and provide more sentiment. Some families also give sweets, small gifts or photo albums.

In Japan, showing effort and care is more important than spending a lot of money. This idea is a big part of Japanese culture.

Eating meals together

During Mother’s Day in Japan, families often eat together to celebrate. Children might cook something at home, or the family may go out to eat. Some families bring home their mother’s favorite food or the bentos specially designed for Mother’s Day which department stores and restaurants often sell.

Food is another important way to show love in Japan. A shared meal is one of the best gifts for Mother’s Day in Japan.

Photo credit: Scout Magazine

A growing trend for Mother’s Day in Japan: traveling together

In recent years, more people in Japan have started taking trips with their mothers to celebrate Mother’s Day. This kind of gift is called taiken gifuto (体験ギフト), which is known as an “experience gift”, and it’s becoming more popular than giving physical presents.

Popular taiken gifuto ideas include:

• A day trip to a hot spring onsen (温泉)
• A weekend stay at a nice Japanese inn, known as ryokan (旅館)
• Visiting flower parks, like Ashikaga Flower Park or Hitachi Seaside Park
• Sightseeing in cities like Kyoto, Kamakura, or Hakone

Photo credit: Visit Ibaraki

These trips are often calm and relaxing, with lots of quality time for talking, eating together and taking photos. Travel companies like JTB and hotels now offer special Mother’s Day packages, which include meals, spa services or small gifts.

For many, a short trip is a way to say, “Thank you for everything.”

Japan’s evolving role of mothers

Traditionally, Japanese mothers have taken care of the home and children. But today, many women also work outside the home. More people are recognizing single mothers and different kinds of families. Mother’s Day in Japan is slowly changing to include all types of moms.

Still, the main message stays the same: thank you.

A day focused on family and love

In Japan, Mother’s Day is not a public holiday, but it is still important. Many people use the day to spend time with their mothers and say “thank you” in their own way. It might be with a flower, a meal, a letter—or just spending quality time together.

Even though it started as an imported holiday, Mother’s Day in Japan is now a part of everyday culture. It is a simple, heartfelt way to show love.

Show your love and appreciation to Mom even from afar

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