Let’s observe how the Japanese celebrate Valentine’s Day and White Day. You’ll be surprised that they are unique Japanese culture! They are like a romantic comedy waiting to happen! On February 14th, it’s the ladies’ turn to play Cupid, showering the men with chocolates. But hold on—don’t get too excited, guys! Some of those treats are “giri-choco,” or obligation chocolates, basically saying, “I tolerate you, here’s some chocolate!”
Then comes White Day on March 14th, where the tables turn, and men scramble to return the favor. It’s their chance to impress with gifts of white chocolate, flowers, or maybe even a cute stuffed animal—because nothing says “I appreciate you” like a plushie! So, get ready for a month of sweet (and sometimes awkward) exchanges, where love is in the air and chocolate is the currency of affection!
Love is a universal language, but has different expressions in various countries. In Japan with its unique culture, Valentine’s Day and White Day are celebrated within a month. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, just like in many other parts of the world. However, the traditions and customs surrounding Valentine’s Day in Japan are quite different from the West.
As I turned 32 years of living in Japan yesterday, I was requested to talk about the Japanese way of celebrating Valentine’s Day with all my exposure and experiences on Bombo Radyo, the Philippines’ No. 1 and most trusted radio station. Need to mention the culturally unique White Day celebration here. I’m very busy as I’m trying to catch up on my eCommerce projects this year, but gave in to this lighthearted report.
As you watch my report, share your comments about Japan’s Valentine’s Day & White Day Celebrations.
Valentine’s Day in Japan
Valentine’s Day in Japan is a unique and fascinating cultural phenomenon that has evolved over time. Unlike many other countries where it is primarily a day of romantic love and gift-giving between couples, Valentine’s Day in Japan has taken on a more nuanced and gender-specific form.
Key Points:
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Reverse Chocolate Tradition: In Japan, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. This tradition is known as “giri choco” (obligation chocolate) or “tomo choco” (friendship chocolate) and serves as a way for women to express gratitude, appreciation, or affection towards male friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
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White Day: One month later, on March 14th, Japan celebrates White Day. This is a reciprocal holiday where men who received chocolates on Valentine’s Day return the favor by giving gifts to the women who gave them chocolates. Typically, these gifts are white in color, such as white chocolate, marshmallows, or other confectioneries.
- Honmei Choco: Amidst the giri choco and tomo choco, there is also the concept of “honmei choco” (true feeling chocolate). These are chocolates given to someone special, usually a romantic interest, and are often more elaborate and expensive than the giri choco.
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Confession Day: For many Japanese, Valentine’s Day is seen as an opportunity to express feelings of love and affection. It is not uncommon for people to use this day to confess their feelings to someone they have been harboring a crush on.
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Commercialization: Like many holidays, Valentine’s Day in Japan has become highly commercialized. Department stores and confectionery shops go all out with elaborate displays and special Valentine’s Day products, making it a lucrative time for businesses.
In summary, Valentine’s Day in Japan is a unique blend of cultural traditions, social norms, and commercial influences. It is a day that celebrates friendship, appreciation, and love, with a distinct Japanese twist.
Check how my cram school in Japan celebrates Valentine’s Day. It’s one of the 5 most-awaited annual events of Olives English School. The parents, grandparents, and friends of my students join us in our special community events. It’s a triple celebration as we also include Japan’s birthday (Constitution Day) and Chinese New Year’s Day (lunar calendar for some Asian countries).
While the basic concept of Valentine’s Day is similar in Japan and the West, the traditions and customs surrounding it are quite unique in Japan, with women taking the lead in gift-giving, and the subsequent White Day celebration a month later.
It’s important to note that the way children celebrate these holidays may vary depending on the specific school, family, and cultural traditions. However, the general idea of gift-giving and reciprocation is a common theme in the way Japanese children observe Valentine’s Day and White Day. The focus for children is more on the gesture of reciprocation and expressing gratitude, rather than on expensive or elaborate gifts.
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