Japan honors the longevity of its citizens with a national holiday every Sept. 15 called Keirou no hi, or Respect-for-the-Aged Day. In 1951, it was called Toshiyori no hi, or Old People’s Day, but when it was designated a national holiday in 1966, its name was changed.

Keirou no hi is a day to commemorate and show respect for long-time contributors to Japanese society, to celebrate their longevity, and to pray for their health.

It is also a day to focus on welfare services and issues that confront the elderly.

Since Keirou no Hi is a new holiday, there are no official customs associated with it. Many Japanese people celebrate it by giving gifts. Many children give presents to their grandparents, and some elementary students visit residents of nursing homes to sing and encourage elders. Some athletic events are held, such as croquette tournaments and hikes, and there are cultural programs throughout the country.

I remember that when I was young, I used to call my grandparents on Keirou no Hi every year. Since I moved to Hawai’i, I rarely remember this day because there is no similar holiday in the United States. But the fact is that every fifth person in Japan could be 65 or over by 2010, and Keirou no Hi will become an increasingly important day in the years to come.

As the baby-boomer population of the United States grows, this country may also soon institute a holiday for its elders.

The world is getting smaller and smaller, and soon Keirou no hi may be recognized not only in Japan, but also in other countries, especially as they start to think about how welfare services for the elderly can be improved.