Executive Overview
On September 21, 2026, Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro no Hi), a national holiday dedicated to honoring senior citizens, expressing gratitude for their decades of societal contributions, and wishing them long, healthy lives. While the holiday historically served as a solemn moment of reflection, in the modern era, it has become deeply intertwined with pop culture. Japanese anime, manga, and gaming have long served as a mirror to the nation’s demographic realities, boasting an incredibly rich roster of elderly characters who break conventional stereotypes. From formidable martial arts masters to whimsical patriarchs, these characters play a vital role in bridging generational gaps.
To mark the occasion, a commemorative trivia campaign initiated by the prominent media outlet Anime! Anime! has turned the spotlight onto one of the most beloved grandfathers in television history: Tomozo Sakura from the legendary slice-of-life series Chibi Maruko-chan.
The campaign posed a seemingly simple yet highly nostalgic question to fans: While Tomozo is famous for his love of yudofu (boiled tofu) and natto (fermented soybeans), what is his third and most prized favorite food?
The answer—Uni (Sea Urchin)—not only highlights Tomozo’s endearing, slightly eccentric personality but also underscores a larger narrative: how fictional seniors in Japanese media provide comfort, humor, and a sense of continuity to a rapidly aging society. This article explores the cultural history of Respect for the Aged Day, analyzes the enduring appeal of Tomozo Sakura, and examines how senior characters continue to shape Japan’s domestic and international cultural footprint.
Detailed Chronology: The Evolution of a Holiday and an Anime Icon
To understand the cultural weight of Tomozo Sakura, one must trace the parallel histories of Japan’s demographic holiday and the rise of postwar family sitcom anime.
[1947] "Old Folks' Day" established in Hyogo Prefecture
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[1966] Designated a national holiday: "Respect for the Aged Day" (Sept 15)
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[1986] "Chibi Maruko-chan" manga debuts in Ribon magazine
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[1990] Anime adaptation premieres; achieves historic 39.9% viewer rating
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[2003] Holiday moves to 3rd Monday of Sept (Happy Monday System)
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[2026] Modern celebration emphasizes intergenerational connection and pop culture legacyThe Origins of Respect for the Aged Day
The roots of Keiro no Hi date back to 1947, when Nomadani Village (now part of Taka Town) in Hyogo Prefecture established "Old Folks’ Day" (Toshiyori no Hi). Initiated by the village mayor, the day was designed to draw on the wisdom of elders in the difficult reconstruction years following World War II.
The popularity of the local event quickly spread, leading to its designation as a nationwide holiday in 1966 under its current name, originally fixed on September 15. In 2003, under the "Happy Monday System"—a government initiative to create three-day weekends by moving several holidays to Mondays—Respect for the Aged Day was officially moved to the third Monday of September.
The Birth of Chibi Maruko-chan
As the holiday evolved, so too did Japan’s media landscape. In August 1986, manga artist Momoko Sakura published the first chapter of Chibi Maruko-chan in Shueisha’s shōjo manga magazine Ribon. Set in the mid-1970s in Shimizu (now part of Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture), the semi-autobiographical story captured the everyday life of a third-grade girl, Maruko, and her multi-generational household.
In January 1990, Fuji Television premiered the anime adaptation produced by Nippon Animation. The show was an instant cultural phenomenon. On October 28, 1990, the series achieved a monumental 39.9% household rating, making it one of the highest-rated anime episodes in Japanese television history. At the center of this household sat Tomozo Sakura, born on October 3, 1898, placing him squarely in the Taisho and Showa eras. He represented a generation of grandfathers who had endured the hardships of the early 20th century, yet chose to spend their twilight years offering unconditional love and whimsical humor to their grandchildren.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Anatomy of Tomozo’s Appeal
Tomozo Sakura’s popularity is backed by his unique characterization, which contrasts sharply with typical authoritative patriarchal figures of Showa-era Japan.
Character Profile: Tomozo Sakura
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 76 years old |
| Birthdate | October 3, 1898 |
| Key Personality Traits | Doting, naive, easily influenced, highly imaginative, melancholic |
| Signature Running Gag | Kokoro no Haiku (Tomozo’s Heartfelt Haiku) |
| Top Three Favorite Foods | Yudofu (boiled tofu), Natto (fermented soybeans), Uni (Sea Urchin) |
The Culinary Contrast of "Uni"
The trivia question regarding Tomozo’s favorite foods reveals a brilliant piece of character writing. His first two favorites—yudofu and natto—are humble, soft, and inexpensive staples, perfectly fitting his identity as a modest, elderly pensioner living in Shizuoka.
However, his third favorite, uni (sea urchin), is a highly prized, expensive delicacy in Japan. This stark contrast serves as a recurring comedic device. Whenever Tomozo manages to acquire a small sum of money, or when the family dines out, his eyes light up at the prospect of eating sea urchin, showcasing a charming, child-like greed that prevents him from being a purely flat, saintly character.
┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Tomozo's Food Profile │
└────────────┬────────────┘
│
┌───────────────────────┼───────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
[ Yudofu ] [ Natto ] [ Uni ]
(Boiled Tofu) (Fermented Soybeans) (Sea Urchin)
* Soft & Humble * Traditional Staple * High-End Luxury
* Daily Comfort * Health-Conscious * Comedic Obsession"Tomozo’s Heartfelt Haiku" (Kokoro no Haiku)
One of the most artistic and enduring elements of the character is his tendency to retreat into his own mind to compose melancholic, humorous, or deeply dramatic 5-7-5 syllable poems. Usually triggered by a minor disappointment, a misunderstanding by Maruko, or a sudden wave of existential dread, these poems always conclude with the iconic graphic and voiceover: "Tomozo, Kokoro no Haiku."
These haikus have become a staple of Japanese pop-culture parody, proving that senior characters can possess a rich, highly active, and deeply funny internal life that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Official Statements & Creative Intent: The Man Behind the Myth
To understand the true legacy of Tomozo Sakura, one must look at the creative decisions made by the late author Momoko Sakura and the legendary voice actors who brought the character to life.
Momoko Sakura’s Subversion of Reality
In her highly acclaimed collection of personal essays, including the bestseller Momo no Kanzume (Canned Peaches), the late Momoko Sakura made a candid revelation that shocked many fans: the real-life Tomozo was nothing like his fictional counterpart.
In reality, her biological grandfather was a difficult, cold, and sometimes bad-tempered man whose relationship with the family was strained.
Regarding this creative choice, the author noted:
"The Tomozo you see in ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ is the ideal grandfather I wish I had had. He is a projection of my childhood dreams—someone who would always take my side, laugh at my silly jokes, and comfort me when I made mistakes. Writing him was a way to heal my own childhood memories."
This revelation adds a layer of bittersweet depth to the character. Fictional Tomozo represents the collective archetype of the "perfect grandfather," a comforting fantasy that millions of viewers adopted as their own.
The Voice Acting Legacy
The warm, shaky, and instantly recognizable voice of Tomozo has been preserved across decades by three legendary voice actors:
- Kei Tomiyama (1990–1995): Established the template for Tomozo, blending warmth with a slightly fragile, comical tone. His passing in 1995 was deeply mourned by the nation.
- Takeshi Aono (1995–2010): Expanded on Tomozo’s dramatic flair, particularly during the Kokoro no Haiku segments. Aono’s performance cemented the character’s status as a theatrical, lovable dramatic.
- Bin Shimada (2010–Present): Took over the role with seamless continuity, ensuring that younger generations of viewers continue to experience the exact same comfort their parents did in the 1990s.
A representative from Nippon Animation commented on the character’s longevity during a recent anniversary broadcast:
"Tomozo-san represents the emotional anchor of the Sakura household. In a world that is changing faster than ever, his unwavering affection for Maruko and his simple, slow-paced approach to life provide a vital sense of stability for our viewers."
Future Outlook: The Evolution of Seniors in Global Anime Culture
As Japan navigates its status as a "super-aged" society—where more than 29% of the population is aged 65 or older—the portrayal of elderly characters in anime and manga is undergoing a significant transformation.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EVOLVING SENIOR REPRESENTATION │
├───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┤
│ Traditional Roles │ Modern Trends │
├───────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┤
│ • Domestic Anchors │ • Active Protagonists │
│ • Stern Patriarchs │ • Complex Moral Guides │
│ • Humorous Grandparents │ • Tech-Savvy & Independent │
└───────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────┘From Supporting Cast to Center Stage
While classic series like Chibi Maruko-chan and Sazae-san continue to preserve the traditional, domestic role of grandparents, modern anime is increasingly placing senior citizens in active, dynamic, and even heroic roles.
- Action and Adventure: Characters like Silver Fang (Bang) from One-Punch Man or Master Roshi from Dragon Ball showcase elderly individuals as top-tier martial artists who command immense respect.
- Complex Mentors: In newer properties, seniors are depicted as highly skilled professionals, tech-savvy retirees, or complex moral guides, reflecting the active lifestyles of modern Japanese seniors who remain in the workforce or pursue vigorous hobbies well into their 70s and 80s.
The Global Preservation of Showa Nostalgia
Despite these modern shifts, the demand for nostalgic, Showa-era family dynamics remains incredibly high, particularly in international markets across Asia. Chibi Maruko-chan continues to draw massive viewership in mainland China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
In an increasingly digitized, fragmented world, the simple warmth of a grandfather taking his granddaughter to the park to eat a bowl of yudofu—or dreaming of a rare treat of sea urchin—transcends cultural and national boundaries.
Conclusion
As Japan celebrates Respect for the Aged Day in 2026, the tribute to Tomozo Sakura reminds us that the holiday is not just about looking backward with solemn respect, but also about celebrating the joy, humor, and unconditional love that older generations bring to our lives. Through his humble lifestyle, his dramatic haikus, and his secret passion for sea urchin, Tomozo Sakura remains an eternal symbol of family unity, proving that the bond between grandparents and grandchildren is one of the most enduring anchors of human society.
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