Have you ever wondered how the Japanese celebrate Valentine’s Day? Have you heard of Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan? In this article, we will see everything about these and other commemorative dates for couples in the land of the rising sun.
We also recommend reading:
- Guide on how to win over and date a Japanese man
- How to win over and date a Japanese woman
- Kokuhaku and Tsukiatte Kudasai – Confession and Dating in Japan
Table of Contents
Valentine’s Day – February 14
On February 14, the holiday Valentine’s Day [バレンタインデ] takes place, this is the name given to Valentine’s Day in some countries.
Valentine’s Day was introduced in Japan in 1936, influenced by the West and with the help of the chocolate industry aimed at boosting chocolate sales.
In 1960, the famous tradition of giving chocolate to a loved one emerged. And who does this? It’s not the men! On February 14, thousands of women prepare their chocolates to give not only to their loved ones but to anyone who is part of their lives.
Types of Valentine’s Day Chocolate
Below we will list the types of chocolates that are usually given to boys. Some are for loved ones, others are for friends or out of obligation.
- 本命 チョコ (Honmei choco) – These are chocolates given to a loved one, boyfriend, lovers, or people with a romantic connection;
- 義理 チョコ (Giri choco): This is the obligatory chocolate. The term “Giri” means “obligation,” so these types of chocolates have no romantic association. They are intended for friends, coworkers, bosses, people with whom one has a social connection;
- 友チョコ (Tomo choco): This is the chocolate given to close friends to show affection and friendship;
- ファミリーチョコ (Family Choco): As the name suggests, these are chocolates to gift family members, husbands, parents, cousins, and others;
- 逆チョコ (Gyaku choco): It is not common, but it refers to the act of exchanging chocolates between men and women;
Preparation for Valentine’s Day
The good thing about this date is that not only loved ones but most friends and relatives receive chocolate. So the chocolate industry prepares a huge marketing campaign for this time, creating various advertisements and different chocolates to attract the public’s attention. Girls need to prepare their wallets if they want to gift everyone.
Giving store-bought chocolate to someone you want to win over is not a good idea. Some girls prepare their homemade chocolate, putting in all their effort and affection, writing with icing, looking for the perfect recipe, to create the best chocolate to give to their loved one, some with intentions of confessing their feelings.
Bizarre Cases on Valentine’s Day
Unfortunately, these lovestruck girls sometimes go overboard. There are various rumors and bizarre cases involving girls who make chocolates for their crushes.
Some girls put hair, saliva, blood, pubic hair, and some even put menstrual blood when making chocolate. It’s hard to know the reason, probably some miraculous pact to win over their loved one.
Otaku men also go overboard. Some needy young men tend to buy chocolates for their anime Waifu character to gift to themselves.
White Day – March 14
Exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, another holiday called White Day takes place, on this date men must gift their loved ones with white chocolate or some other present.
On this date, where chocolates received are reciprocated, some boys tend to have romantic dinners, trips, or give jewelry to their girlfriends. Some boys wait for this date to respond to the Valentine’s Day gift.
The day works as follows: all boyfriends must reciprocate the chocolates received. However, men who are not dating and received chocolates from friends, coworkers, or even family members also use this date to give gifts, including some with the awareness that the girl in question did not gift them out of lack of courage.
An optional rule is that boys should reciprocate gifts with gifts that are three times more expensive.
Some gifts have meanings. Gifting cookies can mean “I love you,” candies mean “I like you,” and white chocolate means “let’s be friends.”
The Origin of White Day
White Day originated from a marshmallow advertisement. It was thanks to this advertisement that encouraged reciprocation of Valentine’s Day gifts that White Day emerged and became popular.
In the early years, the day was only known as “Marshmallow Day.” It was with the emergence and advertising of new factories of sweets and white chocolates that the name became White Day.
Besides Japan, countries like Taiwan and South Korea also celebrate White Day.
Orange Day
On April 14, the Orange Day is still celebrated. On this date, the loved one is gifted with oranges or gifts of the color orange to further strengthen the relationship.
Brides in Europe often use orange blossom as an adornment, a symbol of productivity and prosperity. It is very likely that this date arose due to this custom, and with commercial objectives, of course.
In Korea, this date is called Black Day, reserved for those who did not receive chocolate on the previous dates, they celebrate by eating Chajan-men with black broth.
Christmas is Valentine’s Day in Japan
Christmas Eve and Christmas in Japan is a date for couples. This date resembles more the Valentine’s Day of the West, where couples gift each other and have romantic dinners or stay in hotels.
On Christmas Eve, couples usually arrange dates, singles make an effort not to spend this date alone, but rather than on Valentine’s Day. This custom of couples spending Christmas together has existed since 1930.
We recommend reading: Christmas in Japan – How do the Japanese celebrate Kurisumasu?
Other Commemorative Dates for Couples in Japan
On May 14, the storm day occurs, a date that allows couples who made vows of love to separate without any problem. In English, the date is called “May Storm Day.”
June 12 is also often mentioned as Valentine’s Day in Japan. Although it is not popular among the Japanese, some companies try to popularize the date through gifts of photo frames. Some call it the Day of Frames.
Videos about Valentine’s Days in Japan
In summary, these two days, both Valentine’s Day and White Day are both good days to gift affection to those you care about and try to get closer to coworkers, make friends, or strengthen some bond!
To conclude this article, we will leave some videos talking about these special dates:
Video from Japan for us:
Chocolate store:
Leave a Reply