In Japan, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday of May.
It’s the same date as many countries — but the mood feels uniquely Japanese: gentle, warm, and quietly grateful.
🌸 Red Carnations Everywhere
Walk through town in early May and you’ll see a wave of red.
Flower shops and supermarkets fill their displays with red carnations. Ads read “お母さん、ありがとう” — “Thank you, Mom.”
This custom came from the United States in the early 20th century and spread widely after World War II.
Over time, it blossomed into one of Japan’s sweetest spring traditions.
🎁 Gifts Beyond Flowers
Flowers are classic. Carnations are the icon. But many families choose other gifts too:
- Handmade or designer wagashi and luxury chocolates
- Scarves, handbags, small leather goods
- Umbrellas or parasols — timely for the rainy season
- Skincare or a relaxing massage voucher
Online stores start “Mother’s Day Collections” as early as March.
Living far away? Order delivery with a short, sincere message card.
🎨 Little Hands, Big Hearts
In kindergartens and elementary schools, kids make paper carnations and draw portraits of their moms.
The lines are uneven. The colors are bright. And the message is simple: “Thank you.”
Many families keep these cards for years — a tiny proof of growth, and a memory of a moment that won’t come back.
👩👧 A Gentle Day for Mothers and Daughters
More adults are choosing “time together” instead of things:
- A short onsen (hot spring) trip
- A calm café or a seasonal kaiseki lunch
- A stroll through a park with late-blooming roses
It’s a quiet way to return kindness — letting mom relax, talk, and simply be cared for.
💌 The Feeling Behind the Day
Japan often expresses love softly.
Mother’s Day offers a rare chance to say what’s always felt but rarely spoken:
“I love you, Mom.”
📝 Quick Q&A
Why red carnations?
They symbolize a mother’s love and were popularized when Mother’s Day arrived from the U.S. in the early 1900s.
Is it always the second Sunday of May in Japan?
Yes. Shops start promoting gifts from March–April, and the weekend itself can be very busy.
What if I can’t visit my mother?
Send flowers or sweets with a short message card. In Japan, simple, sincere words matter most.
🔎 Tips for Visitors in Japan (May)
- Pre-order flowers early — popular florists book out.
- Department stores have seasonal gift corners worth browsing.
- Consider experiences: afternoon tea, museum tickets, or a spa day.
However you celebrate — a single carnation, a handmade card, or a shared cup of tea — what counts is gratitude.
Quiet love speaks loudly on Mother’s Day in Japan.
