Japan adopted Mother’s Day from the U.S, so Mother’s Day traditions in Japan are basically the same as those in the U.S. In Japan, people celebrate Mother’s Day by taking their mothers out to do something fun or by giving them flowers and gifts.
One nice way to spend Mother’s Day is by watching a movie with your mom. Below are a couple of suggestions of Japanese movies that celebrate the relationship between a mom and her child.
The first is A letter to Momo (ももへの手紙 Momo e no Tegami). This is an animated drama directed by Hiroyuki Okiura. It was released in Japan in April 2012. The film features 11-year-old Momo, who is depressed because her father has recently passed away. Momo’s mother decides to move the two of them out of Tokyo to the remote island where she grew up, so that they can start a new life there together. Here is the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpzecZnRI44
Another movie to watch on Mother’s Day is Chronicle of My Mother (わが母の記 Waga Haha no Ki). This movie is an adaptation of three novels by Yasushi Inoue. It was directed by Masato Harada and released in April 2012. The movie was awarded Special Grand Prix of the Jury at The 35th Montreal World Film Festival. Chronicle of My Mother recounts the relationship of an author and his elderly mother, whose memory grows weaker by the day. The movie is sentimental and beautiful. Perfect for Mother’s Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJMRSJ80bMs
If you don’t get a chance to watch either of these movies with your mom, you can at least practice your Japanese with her! Here are some useful Japanese words and phrases for Mother’s Day:
母の日 haaha no hi Mother’s Day
花 hana flower
カーネーション kaaneeshon carnation
お母さん、いつもありがとう。 Okaasan, itsumo arigatoo. Thank you always, Mother.