Japan observes Choyo no Sekku Chrysanthemum Festival

September 9 marks Choyo no Sekku, also known as the Chrysanthemum Festival, a traditional Japanese observance focused on honoring the elderly and praying for longevity and good health.

Historically rooted in Chinese traditions and adopted by Japanese nobility during the Heian period, the festival involves specific customs such as drinking chrysanthemum wine and consuming seasonal foods. Common traditional foods include chestnut rice and autumn eggplant, which are eaten to celebrate harvests and promote well-being.

In the context of modern health, the festival serves as a reminder to care for the digestive health of the elderly. Traditional remedies like Waka Homingaru, a medicinal product from Wakayama with a 400-year history, are often used to support stomach health and balance the body's internal energy during the seasonal transition into autumn.