Have you ever heard of the word "Kanju" (Sanju)? Since it's called Kanju, it must be a celebration related to umbrellas! So, in this column, we'll look into Kanju!!
How do you read kanju?
First, let's look at how to read sanju. It is written as "kasa" (umbrella) and "kotobuki" (longevity), and is pronounced "sanju."What is Kanju? What is it celebrated for?
Kanju is a celebration of turning 80 years old (79 years old) according to the traditional Japanese age reckoning system, and is therefore a form of longevity celebration. The origin of the name Kanju for celebrating 80 years old is said to be that the abbreviated character for umbrella looks like the numbers "eight" and "ten" arranged vertically, and there is also the idea that the "eight" in the crown of an umbrella is auspicious as it widens out at the end.Did you know? The color of 80th birthday
Just like the famous red chanchanko worn for "kanreki" (60th birthday), did you know that each age group has its own theme color for celebrating longevity? The color for kanju (80th birthday) is yellow (golden brown) or purple. One theory is that yellow (golden brown) comes from the color of rice ears, and in rice-producing areas such as the Tohoku region, yellow (golden brown) is often used to celebrate kanju.Celebrating longevity: what do you call it at what age?
In addition to sanju, there are many other years in Japan that celebrate longevity. Kanreki, famous for its red chanchanko, is celebrated at age 61, followed by koki at age 70, kiju at age 77, kanju at age 80, beiju at age 88, sotsuju at age 90, hakuju at age 99, and kiju at age 100. As Japanese people continue to live longer, kanreki still seems like a time when celebrating longevity, so it's not surprising that some people pass it by without celebrating. Healthy longevity is the result of improved economic conditions, more abundant food, and advances in medical care, but it's also due in no small part to the efforts of our ancestors. As we age, we may experience aches and pains and find it difficult to move. It's important to cherish this wonderful custom of occasionally expressing gratitude to those in higher positions who have laid the foundation for our fulfilling lives.
What do people do to celebrate their 80th birthday?
So, what exactly should you do to celebrate longevity? Unlike "kanreki" (60th birthday), at 80 years old, everyone is fully grown up and already a grandparent! They're no longer at the age where they can run around to amusement parks with their grandchildren. Some families seem to hold participatory events such as trips to celebrate, but it seems more common to give gifts with message cards, gather at the family's home, or go to a restaurant for a meal. If you're going out to eat, it's a good idea to make reservations in advance at a restaurant that takes into consideration the health and dietary restrictions of grandparents.Give a gift to celebrate your 80th birthday! Recommended umbrellas for 80th birthday gifts
There are no standard gifts for "Kanreki" (60th birthday), so in a sense, everyone can choose their own present for "Kanju." Therefore, based on the theme color mentioned above and the character for "Kanju," we suggest a gift of a yellow umbrella with Hokusai graphics.FOR GRANDPA
Japanese Pattern Textile 16-Stem Long Umbrella - Nine Bamboo Leaves, Wisteria
This long umbrella features a large print of the nine bamboo leaves used by the Takenaka family, famous for Takenaka Hanbei, in a refined wisteria and white-gray color that even men can comfortably pick up. This rare Japanese-style pattern is sure to appeal to even older people in this modern age, where everything is Western-style and uses bright colors.
Japanese Pattern Textile Tri-Folding Umbrella - Namimaru Crest, Light Grass
This folding umbrella features a light green Mitsunamimaru crest painted all over it. Water (waves), believed to be the home of gods, is a beloved motif that has been depicted in scrolls, woodblock prints, and various other things since ancient times. The momentum of the waves evokes an image of power, and we chose this design to convey the wish for a long, healthy and energetic life.FOR GRANDMA
Japanese Pattern Textile Natural Bamboo 16-Stem Long Umbrella - Saaya Pattern, Yamabuki
This long umbrella features the traditional classic "Sayagata" pattern, finished with Yamabuki (Japanese yellow bush clover), a vibrant yellow with a reddish tinge that has been likened to gold since the Heian period. Those of an age when celebrating their "Kanju" (800th birthday) likely had many opportunities to wear kimono at one time or another. Since "Sayagata" is often used as a pattern or ground pattern on women's kimonos, we chose it with the hope that it will bring back nostalgic memories of busy, hectic times.