Mother's Day has roots dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome, perhaps from the Roman Matrolina Festival via the older Greek observation of Cybele, both of which were dedicated more to heavenly mothers but included gifts and thanks for mothers here on earth.

The modern observation of Mother’s Day began with the importation of “Mothering Sunday” from the UK & Ireland to the United States. The idea was picked up on and adapted by activist Julie Ward Howe, herself drawing inspiration from the work of a Ms. Ann Jarvis. Ms. Jarvis’ daughter, Anna would be the one to see the idea to its fruition. Anna Jarvis’s efforts would lead to President Woodrow Wilson declaring the first Mother's Day national holiday in the United States in 1914.

In Japan, Haha-no-hi began after the Second World War and has since become an important date on the family calendar. Estimates in different countries have Mother's Day as the busiest day of the year for restaurants and of course, sales of flowers and other traditional presents rocket upwards at this time of year. So, this Mother's Day why not go a bit beyond the usual and do something really special for the Moms in your life with the help of the fine options listed on the right.

Happy Mother’s Day from the EOK! Team

Sources:
http://www.janmstore.com/mothersday.html
http://www.mothers.net/aroundtheworld.htm
http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/about-mothersday/history/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother's_Day

 

Celebrate Mother's Day:

 

Restaurants

Check out these delicious options to make it a Mother’s Day meal to impress!
http://www.eok.jp/restaurants-bars

 

Salons & Spas

A great way to give Mom that “Queen for a Day” feeling
http://www.eok.jp/health-beauty

 

Hotels & Travel

Give Mom the gift of someone else doing the work or just a trip to get in some R&R!
http://www.eok.jp/travel

 

Flowers

Well, after all a great set of flowers is always appreciated as well, isn’t it?
http://www.eok.jp/shopping/retail-shop/flower-shops/florist-daika-en

 

Gifts & Packages

http://www.eok.jp/search/type:shopping

If you are sending packages home they need to be sent soon!
For Japan Posts rates and schedules visit:
http://www.post.japanpost.jp/english/index.html