Photo by Kerri Shaver via Unsplash
Much like the UK, Father’s Day, or Chichi no Hi in Japan, is a relatively recent tradition — an American import that was first celebrated after World War II but didn’t gain much popularity until the 1980s.
Oddly, it was casual menswear and sportswear that brought Father’s Day to everyone’s attention in Japan. In 1954, three companies — Osaka Sportsman, Crown and Taiyo Sports — joined forces to form a men’s clothing association that later established Men’s Fashion Unity (MFU), an initiative that hosted men’s fashion and lifestyle awareness awards. In 1972, MFU launched a Best Dresser Award, which was followed by the inauguration of a Japan Father’s Day committee and the first Father’s Day Yellow Ribbon Campaign in 1982.
The colour yellow symbolises happiness, safety and protection — perhaps a slightly rose-tinted perception of men and fathers in Japan. But it was the 1980s, and we can forgive the MFU, since it later steered its campaigns to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices as well as recognising achievements. Back to 1982, however. The first Yellow Ribbon Award was pretty much a “Best Dad”award and its winners were actors Juzo Itami and Yusuke Kawazu, singer Yoichi Sugawara, cyclist Toshiaki Fujishima and American baseball player Terry Whitfield, who was playing for the Seibu Lions at that time.
Photo of Toyota in Aichi, by Huu Huynh via Pexel
What criteria made the celebrity winners such great fathers, we don’t actually know, but the initiative still runs today and involves various surveys looking for:
・Fathers who create a bright and happy home
・Practitioners of fatherhood studies
・Those who practice strict discipline
・Good educators who understand their children well
・Wonderful fathers in the eyes of their mothers and children
・Those who contribute to the welfare of society and promote being a good father
・Fathers who raise their children in a unique way
This year’s Yellow Ribbon award winners include the Governor of Saitama Prefecture who created an annual pocket-money salary system for his children to learn about living independently; the president and CEO of Cow Milk Soap, who truly treasures bath time with his kids; and singer-celebrity Daigo, who was so overcome with gratitude to his wife after giving birth to their children, he was reduced to a mass of tears.
Since the Yellow Ribbon campaign, Father’s Day in Japan is still celebrated by some with gifts of yellow roses or other flowers. If inspired by the bright colour, take a look at our Sunlit Yellows collection and visit our Father’s Day selection for other ideas.
Here’s a few gift ideas we've earmarked for some of the dads in our lives.
Rinko Matcha Chasen tea bowl set; Usuhari Burgundy Wine Glasses
The Rinko Matcha Chasen tea bowl and Usuhari Burgundy Wine Glass pair set are for fathers who really enjoy refined, thoughtful dining. The textured ceramic and traditional design of the Rinko and rounded smooth glass of the Usuhari are both are absolute pleasures to cup in the hands. They enhance the leisurely enjoyment of drinking sip by sip.
Postalco Card Holder; Postalco Jotter
Whenever we re-stock Postalco, it sells out fast. The simplicity of design and focus on function and form highlight the beauty of materials and detail. The Postalco Card Holder's smooth leather and cotton inner textile are designed to age giving it more character — perfect for credit cards or business cards. The Postalco Jotter is filled with 60 pages of quality paper, making it an ideal pad for sketches and notes at the desk.
Tempo Reverie Mobile; Ceramic Japan Musubu Vase
We love versatile design. Each piece of the Tempo Reverie wooden mobile can be moved on its hanging cord to create different forms that will match any decor, while Ceramic Japan's Musubu vase can be tipped on its side to used at the other end of its knot. These are gifts for the father who needs his own quiet reflection time.