Father’s Day in Asia: When It’s Celebrated and How People Mark It
Wherever you are in the world, Father’s Day usually comes down to the same simple things: making time, sharing food, and showing a bit of appreciation without turning it into a huge performance. It might be a proper family meal, a quick phone call if you live far away, or a small gift that says, “I was thinking of you.”
Across Asia, it’s the same sentiment, different dates, and a few local traditions that make it feel unique. Below is a guide to when Father’s Day is marked across Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, plus what it typically looks like in everyday life.
At a glance: Father’s Day dates across East and Southeast Asia
- Japan: Third Sunday in June
- South Korea: Parents’ Day (both parents) on 8th May
- China (mainland): Often observed on the third Sunday in June (not an official holiday nationwide)
- Taiwan: 8th August (8/8)
- Singapore: Third Sunday in June
- Malaysia: Third Sunday in June
- Thailand: 5th December
- Indonesia: 12th November
- Vietnam: Often observed on the third Sunday in June (informal)
Japan
When it is celebrated: Father’s Day is on the third Sunday in June.
How it is celebrated: It is generally low-key relative to holidays like Christmas and family-led. Because it is not a public holiday, most celebrations fit around normal weekend life. Think a meal together, a small gift, and a message that actually says thank you (even if it is slightly awkward and brief, in the way family messages often are).
What it looks like in real life: Dinner at home or eating out, something practical as a gift, and spending time together without turning it into a big event.
South Korea
When it is celebrated: South Korea does not have a separate Father’s Day in the same way. Instead, it marks Parents’ Day on 8th May, celebrating both parents together.
How it is celebrated: The tone leans more “gratitude and respect” than novelty cards. One of the best-known traditions is giving parents carnations, often alongside a letter or a meal together.
What it looks like in real life: A family meal, visiting or calling parents, and small thoughtful gestures rather than loud gifts.
China
When it is celebrated: There is no single official national Father’s Day holiday across mainland China, but many people observe it on the third Sunday in June.
How it is celebrated: Where it is observed, it is usually simple. A family meal, a gift, or a call. It is often more noticeable in cities and among younger families, but it is not typically treated like a major public occasion.
What it looks like in real life: Lunch or dinner together (often the main event), a practical gift, and a message or phone call if you cannot be there in person.
Taiwan
When it is celebrated: 8th August (8/8).
Why that date: It is a wordplay thing. “Eight eight” sounds like “ba ba,” which echoes a common way to say dad in Mandarin, so it became an easy-to-remember Father’s Day.
How it is celebrated: Like most places, it centres on a meal and family time. The fixed date makes it feel very “Taiwan” rather than simply borrowed from the June calendar.
What it looks like in real life: Taking Dad out for lunch or dinner, giving a gift, and checking in properly if you live far apart.
Singapore
When it is celebrated: Third Sunday in June.
How it is celebrated: The feel is very similar to the UK. It is widely recognised, but not a public holiday, so most people keep it to a family meal, a small gift, and messages.
What it looks like in real life: Brunch or dinner out, a practical present, and time together. Nothing too formal, just showing up.
Malaysia
When it is celebrated: Third Sunday in June.
How it is celebrated: Again, quite similar to Singapore and the UK in tone. Family time and food are the main features, with gifts and messages depending on the household.
What it looks like in real life: A weekend meal, a call if you are not nearby, and something small that feels thoughtful rather than expensive.
Thailand
When it is celebrated: 5th December.
How it is celebrated: Thailand’s Father’s Day has a more “national” feel than most because the date is tied to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday. Alongside family appreciation, there can be public ceremonies and a more formal tone in some settings.
What it looks like in real life: Family meals and messages, plus national observances and commemorations connected to the day.
Indonesia
When it is celebrated: 12th November (Hari Ayah Nasional).
How it is celebrated: It is not a public holiday, and celebrations vary. Some families do something small at home, schools or communities may mark it, and it is generally less “commercial” than Father’s Day in countries that follow the June calendar.
What it looks like in real life: Messages, appreciation at home, and sometimes community mentions rather than big public celebrations.
Vietnam
When it is celebrated: Often observed on the third Sunday in June, but it is informal rather than an official holiday.
How it is celebrated: Where it is marked, it usually looks like a simple family moment: dinner, a gift, or a call. Like in a few other places, it can be more visible in larger cities and among younger families.
What it looks like in real life: A meal together if possible, or a proper check-in and a plan to meet when you can.
Final Word
Even with different dates, Father’s Day across Asia often comes back to the same thing: food and quality time. Not necessarily a big “event”, but a moment that feels intentional, whether that is cooking something Dad loves, taking him out for a meal, or simply showing up properly.
