Oyako No Hi: An Opportunity to Celebrate Parents and Children

Oyako is a Japanese word that translates to “parents and children” according to Mika Osburn who would like to make the fourth Sunday of July OYAKO Day in America.

Oyako’s Day is a social action started by Osburn’s parents, Bruce Osburn, an American photographer and his wife Yoshiko. The parent and child link is the most basic of all relations according to an Oyako website.

“It all started just before I was born when my dad took photographs,” said Mika. “So far I have photographed over 700 Oyako portraits and there is no end in sight. Let’s spread the word about Oyako Day.”

Oyako also means mother and child, according to one website.

At Oyako.org you can enter an essay and photo contest regarding family. This year’s essay them is Oyako love.

Prizes include digital cameras, printers, cosmetics, and other items.

A rep from Olympus said the company was deeply impressed by a proposal from Bruce regarding the contest around the theme, “Your Vision, Our Future.”

Japan is a country steeped in tradition according to research.

Traditional Japanese culture was always structured around strict gender roles.

While traditions and early influences remain, Japan has undergone numerous major changes, particularly since the 1960s.

Japanese parenting practices are significantly impacted by tradition.

In Japanese culture the child is considered an extension of the mother and in turn, the mother seeks to consolidate and strengthen a mutual dependence with the child.

Japanese methods of child-rearing also strive to remove any kind of stress that the child might encounter.

Japanese mothers also value a quiet infant.

Because of the demands of fathers’ jobs, mothers in Japan are often responsible for disciplining the children.

Anyone wanting to contact the Oyako group can write them at info@oyako.org.