World Kindness Day
A simple act of kindness can change someone's entire day.
ABOUT
World Kindness Day, observed on November 13 each year, was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement to promote good deeds, compassion, and the positive power of human connection. The premise is straightforward: small, deliberate acts of kindness — holding a door, paying a sincere compliment, buying a stranger a coffee, or checking in on a lonely neighbour — create measurable improvements in wellbeing for both the giver and the receiver. Research in positive psychology consistently shows that acts of kindness trigger the release of serotonin and oxytocin, reduce cortisol stress hormones, and strengthen social bonds over time. At a moment of rising global polarisation, political division, and digital incivility, World Kindness Day offers a counterpoint: an invitation to practise one simple behaviour that is universally welcomed across cultures, generations, and languages. Corporations, schools, and community organisations worldwide now run structured kindness challenges — encouraging teams to log random acts of kindness over several days. These campaigns have been shown to improve workplace morale, reduce school bullying, and build the kind of trust between neighbours that makes communities more resilient to shared challenges. The day originated in Tokyo in 1998 and has since spread to 28 participating nations. On November 13, let kindness be your deliberate default setting.
HISTORY
World Kindness Day was first observed on November 13, 1998, following the inaugural conference of the World Kindness Movement in Tokyo, Japan. The movement — comprising non-governmental kindness organisations from Canada, Australia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and others — declared it a global day and it has grown steadily since.
WHERE IT'S OBSERVED
CULTURAL CONTEXT
US United States
American schools and corporations run kindness challenges, random acts of kindness campaigns, and social media drives. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation provides toolkits for schools and workplaces, and the day generates huge social media engagement.
KR South Korea
South Korea's emphasis on 정 (jeong — deep relational bonds) aligns naturally with World Kindness Day. Online kindness challenges go viral on Korean social media, and companies run employee volunteer programs. The concept resonates deeply in Korea's community-oriented culture.
JP Japan
Japan's culture of omotenashi (selfless hospitality) makes Kindness Day particularly resonant. Random acts of kindness are framed as expressions of the Japanese value of considering others before oneself, and the day connects to Japan's founding of the World Kindness Movement.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- 01Perform one random act of kindness for a stranger
- 02Write a genuine compliment and deliver it in person
- 03Pay for a stranger's coffee or meal
- 04Volunteer an hour of your time for a community cause
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is World Kindness Day?+
World Kindness Day is observed annually on November 13. The date is fixed each year — November 13 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is World Kindness Day?+
World Kindness Day, observed on November 13 each year, was introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement to promote good deeds, compassion, and the positive power of human connection. The premise is straightforward: small, deliberate acts of kindness — holding a door, paying a sincere compliment…
Is World Kindness Day a public holiday?+
World Kindness Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in World Kindness Day?+
Perform one random act of kindness for a stranger Write a genuine compliment and deliver it in person Pay for a stranger's coffee or meal These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe World Kindness Day?+
Global — promoted by the World Kindness Movement in 28 countries.
MARK THE DATE
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss World Kindness Day.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan