Father’s Day in Japan is a special occasion to express gratitude to fathers and father figures for their support and care. While the celebration shares similarities with other countries, it also reflects unique cultural elements. This article explores the origin, how it is celebrated in Japan, and thoughtful gift ideas to help make the day meaningful.
Table of Contents
For more information on other Japanese seasonal customs, please refer to the article below.
Chapter 1: What is Father’s Day in Japan?
In Japan, Father’s Day is called 父の日 (Chichi no Hi). It’s a day to say “thank you” to dads and father figures for everything they do. Similar to Mother’s Day and how it’s celebrated in other countries, people take this chance to show appreciation with gifts, meals, and kind words.
Father’s Day in Japan is held on the third Sunday of June each year. Here are the upcoming dates:
2025: June 15 (Sunday)
2026: June 21 (Sunday)
2027: June 20 (Sunday)
Whether through a small present or just spending time together, it’s a meaningful day to show love and gratitude.
Chapter 2: History and Background
The idea behind Father’s Day in Japan actually comes from the United States. It began in 1909, when a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd from Washington State wanted to honor her father—a war veteran who raised six children alone after his wife passed away. She shared her wish with a local church, and that heartfelt request led to the first Father’s Day celebration.
Her idea spread across the country, and Father’s Day was eventually established as a national holiday in the U.S. The concept of honoring fathers then made its way to Japan in the 1950s, but it didn’t catch on right away. It was during the 1980s that Father’s Day in Japan began to take root, thanks to department store campaigns and growing interest in celebrating family.
Today, it’s a widely recognized occasion across the country—a chance to show appreciation and say “thank you” to dads everywhere.
Chapter 3: How Japanese People Celebrate Father’s Day
Unlike Mother’s Day in Japan, where giving carnations is a common tradition, Father’s Day in Japan doesn’t have a well-established way of celebrating. There’s no standard gift or custom, so how people show appreciation tends to vary from family to family.
A survey by major recruitment company en Japan asked people, “Do you plan to give a gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day this year?”
67% said yes for Mother’s Day
Only 47% said yes for Father’s Day
This shows that Mother’s Day generally gets more attention, both in advertising and in how people celebrate.
Still, many people in Japan do take the opportunity to say thank you to their dads. Common gifts include:
A nice bottle of sake, beer, or whisky
Sweets or favorite snacks
A special meal together, whether at home or dining out
Rather than following a set tradition, Father’s Day in Japan is more about thoughtful gestures that match each dad’s tastes and lifestyle.
Related Post
Chapter 4: Gift Ideas for Father’s Day
If you are not sure what to give for Father’s Day this year, how about considering a gift with a Japanese touch—something that reflects the culture’s elegance, tradition, or craftsmanship?
Japanese Sake
Founded in 1673 (Enpō 1), Tamanohikari celebrated its 350th anniversary in 2023. As one of the few breweries in Japan dedicated exclusively to junmai ginjo sake, it upholds a strict “quality-first” philosophy. This tasting set features five carefully selected varieties of Tamanohikari Sake, offering a refined way to experience the craftsmanship of this historic Kyoto brewery—an ideal and elegant gift for Father’s Day in Japan.
If you want to gift a variety of Japanese sake, this tasting set is an excellent choice. It includes five renowned brands from across Japan, such as the world-famous Dassai, Kubota—made with Niigata’s pure water and rice—and Suigei, which pairs wonderfully with Western cuisine. A thoughtful and elegant gift for Father’s Day in Japan, perfect for sake lovers who appreciate quality and diversity.
For whisky lovers, how about gifting Hibiki, one of Japan’s most celebrated whiskies by Suntory? Highly praised both in Japan and internationally, Hibiki is a harmonious blend of carefully selected whiskies from Suntory’s three distilleries—Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. It offers a deep, mellow sweetness with a refined, floral aroma—an exceptional choice for Father’s Day in Japan.
Japanese Sweets
If your father prefers sweets over alcohol, consider a gift with a Japanese twist—matcha-based treats. This elegant gift comes from Gion Tsujiri, a Kyoto tea shop founded in 1860. It features light and crispy matcha-infused senbei filled with white or matcha cream. With a shelf life of about three months, it’s also a convenient option for sending overseas—perfect for celebrating Father’s Day in Japan from afar.
For a golf-loving father, how about a unique sweet shaped like a golf ball? This charming treat comes from Toraya, a long-established wagashi maker founded in Kyoto during the late Muromachi period. It’s a delicate monaka filled with smooth red bean paste—blending traditional Japanese confectionery with a playful twist. A thoughtful and memorable gift for Father’s Day in Japan.
Other Japanese Gifts
If you’re looking for a uniquely Japanese gift, how about a jinbei? A jinbei is a traditional Japanese summer garment made of lightweight fabric, often worn at home or during summer festivals. This version features textured weave fabric that doesn’t cling to the skin, offering excellent breathability. The adjustable tie closure on the top allows for a comfortable fit, while side slits provide ease of movement. Compared to 100% cotton, the linen-blend material adds a crisp, cool feel—perfect for staying comfortable during hot and humid summer.
Looking for a practical and relaxing gift? A compact Japanese massage device could be a great choice. Lightweight and easy to carry, it’s designed for simple, stress-free use anywhere. You can easily target areas like the neck, shoulders, lower back, or back—just place it where you need relief. This model also include a built-in heater, allowing gentle warmth to soothe tired muscles. A thoughtful and useful gift for Father’s Day.
