Why are the streets yellow in June? It's because of "Father's Day."

How are you spending June while working in Japan? As you walk around Japanese towns during this season, you may start to notice more posters and decorations for “Father’s Day.” In Japan, Father’s Day is celebrated every year on the third Sunday of June. For those who are not very familiar with this event, it may feel a little surprising. In this article, we will introduce the unique scenery of Father’s Day, which has become a well-established June event in Japan.

1. Not a traditional event, but "modern commercial culture"

Father’s Day in Japan is not an ancient traditional festival or a religious ceremony. It originally began overseas, but it is said to have become widely known in Japan around the 1980s.

Today, much like Valentine’s Day and Halloween, it has become established in society as a commercial event mainly promoted by retailers such as department stores and supermarkets.

For this reason, even among Japanese people, there are no strict rules such as “the whole family must gather and celebrate.” Rather, it exists as one part of the culture of enjoying the early summer season.

2. Classic Father’s Day items commonly seen around town in Japan

Once Mother’s Day in May is over, towns and shops across Japan quickly switch into “Father’s Day mode.” During this season, supermarkets and department stores often promote the following items as classic gifts for fathers.

• Yellow roses and sunflowers

In Japan, the image of “Father’s Day = yellow” has become widely recognized. This is said to have been influenced by a past campaign in Japan encouraging people to “give a yellow ribbon to fathers.” As a result, many flower shops display plenty of yellow flowers during this season.

• Alcohol (such as sake and beer)

Gift sets of alcoholic beverages are often placed in prominent areas of supermarkets. The sight of beautifully labeled bottles that feel very Japanese, as well as slightly more luxurious beers, can be enjoyable just to look at.

• A slightly luxurious meal shared with family

For Father’s Day, food sections often sell special dishes and hors d’oeuvre sets that allow families to enjoy a delicious meal together. Rather than simply giving a present, celebrating by sharing a meal together is also a popular style.

3. A “show window” for understanding Japan’s sense of the seasons

For those who are not familiar with this custom, it may be surprising to see the town suddenly filled with yellow flowers and alcohol advertisements.

Of course, just because you live in Japan does not mean you need to force yourself to prepare a celebration. However, when you visit a supermarket or department store on the weekend, you can make your everyday shopping a little more interesting by observing modern Japanese consumer culture from the perspective of, “So this is the kind of thing that sells in Japan in June,” or “This is the kind of design people like during this season.”

To Summarize

Father’s Day in Japan is a June event that makes the whole town feel more lively. There is no need to do anything special, but the changing displays in shops can make you feel that summer is just around the corner. This June, try enjoying this event through the changing scenery of the town.