July 26 is "Oyako Day" (Parent-Child Day)

"It is good to have a day once a year for parents and children to face each other. It would be wonderful if all family bonds were strengthened through that day."

"Oyako Day" (Parent-Child Day) was established in 2003, reflecting such a wish by photographer Bruce Osborn. Various events related to "Oyako Day" will be held.

Bruce Osborn, the initiator of "Oyako Day", has been active as a creator residing in Hayama, exhibiting a large panel at the Morito Shrine grounds during the Hayama Art Festival. As a member of Isshiki Beach Art, which consists of artists from Hayama, he also contributed works to the spring exhibition at Hayama Shiosai Park. He regards Hayama as an important stage for his creative presentations.

"Oyako Day" falls on the fourth Sunday of July every year, and this year it is July 26. The committee continues to raise awareness by organizing the following six official events each year:

1. "Oyako Day" Photo Contest 2026
There are as many family stories as there are parents and children. Why not share your story through your family photo?
Application Deadline: Must arrive by Monday, August 31
Link: https://oyako.org/photocontest/

2. "Oyako Day" Essay Contest 2026
There are as many family stories as there are parents and children. Please share your unique "Oyako" story with us. We look forward to your applications.
Application Deadline: Must arrive by Monday, August 31
Link: https://oyako.org/essaycontest/

3. "Oyako Day" Parent-Child Grand Prize
We will hold the "Oyako Grand Prize" again this year to select the most inspiring celebrity parent-child duo (friendly, energetic, cool, or unique) that you empathize with. Who will win the "Oyako Grand Prize 2026"? We look forward to your vote.
Voting Period: Until Tuesday, June 30, 2025
Link: https://oyako.org/award/

4. Photo Shoot Session
Link: https://oyako.org/session/

5. Talk Live
Held once a month
Link: https://oyako.org/talk/

6. Photo Exhibition: "The 7th Oyako Photo Festival 2026"
~ As Many Family Stories as There Are Parents and Children ~
This year, we have also received works on the theme of "Oyako" from photographers inside and outside Japan.
Participating countries/regions: Afghanistan, Cambodia, Canada, Czech Republic, Gaza, Iran, Japan, Poland, Syria, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam.
The images of parents and children living in different cultures and environments will gather in one venue. Especially in these times of unstable global affairs, we hope you will feel something from the figures of parents and children living their daily lives and passing on the flame of life.
Exhibition Period: Saturday, May 30, 2026 - Friday, June 26, 2026
Venue: The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) https://www.fccj.or.jp/
Time: 10:00 - 20:00 (Closed on Sundays and national holidays)

[Organizer] Oyako Day Promotion Committee
[Inquiries] https://oyako.org/events/
[Website & SNS]
HP: https://oyako.org/
* Hayama Community Design Association Page: https://www.hayama-npo.or.jp/news/7262
SNS:
https://www.facebook.com/oyakonohi
https://www.instagram.com/oyakoday/

Oyako Day Promotion Committee

It is good to have a day once a year for parents and children to face each other. It would be wonderful if all family bonds were strengthened through that day. "Oyako Day" was established in 2003, reflecting such a wish by photographer Bruce Osborn.