Rooted in Respect
October 7, 2009
Respect-for-the-Aged Day is observed annually in September. While the Japanese worship of deceased relatives is essentially idolatry, their respect for all aged living relatives and neighbors has its origins elsewhere and is generally a commendable custom. Japan has a very layered social structure which is reflected linguistically as well. Depending on the age or position of the person with whom one speaks, one may use casual, respect, honorific, or humble verb forms. The elderly of Japan often have much more responsibility and influence in their families and communities than do their Western counterparts.the case, rather than seeing, say, a group of children sing for lonely nursing-home residents, it is not uncommon in Japan conversely to find a group of seniors, like those pictured here, performing traditional songs for children in the neighborhood. Thatpray for the elderly living in Sendai and throughout Japan’s Cities, Towns, and Villages.they will respond in faith to the gospel before it’s too late. Please pray for missionaries to break through the difficult language barriers and the-sometimes-present-WWII-induced prejudices to speak God’s Love and Forgiveness in words Japan’s elderly can hear and understand
–Donna Qualls
