At that time, I was living in Osaka, where my husband had been transferred for work.
It was an unfamiliar place, my family was far away, and my husband worked in sales, often coming home late into the night.
It was what you would call a “one-person operation.”
My young son often had fevers.

That day, I was incredibly sleepy.
My husband had come home late the night before, and the housework stretched into the early hours of the morning.
Even though he told me, “You can sleep,” I stayed up, waiting for him to come home.

My son, who had been napping, woke up.
I think he was around three years old.

“Mom, wake up! I want to go on the slide!”
I was too sleepy and replied, “Just a little more sleep,” but he insisted, “Ken-chan isn’t sleepy. Let’s go for a walk.”

I said, “There’s pudding in the fridge,” and my son ate it skillfully, then came back to persuade me again.
I still wanted to sleep, so I said, “My head hurts. I think I have a fever. Watch the Tomica video.”
In reality, I didn’t have a headache or a fever. I was pretending to be sick.
My son became quiet and left my side.

Just when I thought I could sleep for another 20 minutes, I felt something cold on my forehead.
“Mom’s head, ‘Itai no itai no tondeike!’ (Pain, go away!) This will make your fever go down!”

My son had taken a cooling pad from the fridge and placed it on my forehead.
There was a small chair in front of the fridge.
I could picture him saying, “One step, two steps,” as he carefully carried the chair and stretched up to grab it.

Tears quietly fell. The mix of guilt and emotion over his growth moved me deeply.
“Ken-chan, thank you! I’m better now.
Let’s go for a walk. I’ll get ready right now, so wait for me.”

My son, who had been waiting by the door with his shoes on, muttered,
“Mom, you’re so slow! How long are you going to make me wait?”
That was exactly my husband’s tone.
I burst out laughing.

Children observe their parents well.
I held his small hand and we went outside.
My son, who will soon turn 29, is likely to become a father soon.
I’m sure he’ll be a kind father.
But please, take your time while your wife gets ready.

by Masae Matsuda / age: 58 / Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Japan

#OyakoDay
#OYAKODAY
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#PresentToTheFuture
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A photograph capturing a precious moment between parent and child.
A story of family told through carefully chosen words.

Through each and every entry, we had the privilege of discovering the many different forms that OYAKO—the bond between parent and child—can take.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated.

The judging process will now begin, and the results will be announced at a later date.

The photograph accompanying this post was taken after the Oyako Day Super Photo Session in 2014.

Although we were unable to hold the Super Photo Session this year, the same joyful energy we felt that day continues to live on, nurturing and inspiring Oyako Day today.

Thank you for your continued support of Oyako Day.

#OyakoDay
#OYAKODAY
#PhotoContest
#EssayContest
#OyakoStories
#PresentToTheFuture

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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has entered.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, August 31.

If you’ve been thinking, “I haven’t sent mine yet!”—there’s still time!

You have until the end of today, so please don’t forget to send in your entry.

We’re looking forward to receiving your special OYAKO photographs and stories right up until the deadline.

The photo accompanying this post is one of our own summer memories, taken with our daughter and grandchild when they came home for their summer vacation.

#OyakoDay
#OYAKODAY
#PhotoContest
#EssayContest
#OyakoPhotography
#ParentAndChild
#FamilyStories
#FamilyMemories
#PowerOfPhotography
#PowerOfWords
#PresentToTheFuture

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If your account is private, we may also be unable to see your post or mention.

We don’t want to miss any of the wonderful entries you’ve taken the time to share with us! If you’ve already entered through Instagram, please also send your entry by email to make sure we receive it.

The deadline is coming up soon, but there’s still time to enter!

LAST CHANCE!
Submit or Resend Your Entry by Email

Email is the most reliable way to make sure your entry reaches us.

 Send to:
info_oyako@oyako.org

Subject:
“Photo Contest” or “Essay Contest”

Please include:
• Title of your entry
• A short description or story about your entry
• Your photo (for Photo Contest entries)

HOW TO ENTER THROUGH INSTAGRAM

1. Follow and mention our official account @oyakoday
2. Add the hashtag #2026親子の日写真コンテスト
3. Post your photo along with its title and a short description

Please note: If your account is private, we may not be able to see your post. We recommend also submitting your entry by email to make sure we receive it.

 Entry Deadline:
August 31, 2026
Entries must be received by this date.

Results:
Winners will be announced at a later date on the official Oyako Day website.

Oyako Day comes once a year.

We look forward to seeing the special moments and unforgettable stories that make your family unique.

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