Sept. 18 - I first learned about Respect for the Aged Day when I came to Yokohama as a high school exchange student at age 16. At first, I was very glad to learn that I would gain a day off from school. But as I thought about this day further, it seemed wonderful that Japan would set aside a holiday to remember the contributions of the older generation.

Most Americans do not celebrate the elderly with any special holiday. However, my wife Ann is different. She grew up in Colorado and participated actively in the Denver Buddhist Church youth group called the Young Buddhists Association. Each year she and her friends in this group would plan a special evening to honor the elderly Japanese-American members of her church on Respect for the Aged Day. She told me that they would prepare bento dinners with rice, fried chicken, vegetables and pickles. They would also rent a Japanese movie (usually a samurai historical drama) to show them, and offer some door prizes. This event was so popular that around 50 senior citizens would attend. Her youth group would raise money throughout the year to pay for the food and prizes.

Although Ann and I grew up in the same country, we had very different experiences growing up. I enjoy visiting her family and learning more about the Japanese-American experience in the United States.

Until next time,

Jim