Saint Valentine’s, a quite controversial day, is here again. Most of us have something planned, whether we’re spending it with our special someone, our friends, or alone. We’re definitely expecting to give or receive gifts such as flowers, chocolates, jewelry or dinner in some fancy restaurant. But, what happens in Japan on this day?

Japan is famous for the way in which they celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day. First of all, only women give presents today. And by “gifts”, we mean sweet chocolate creations. Chocolates, cakes, even anime characters made out of chocolate can be seen at every confectionery shop window. It is also estimated that big confectioneries make half their annual revenues the week before Valentine’s Day. Therefore, you can imagine how hectic it is in these shops at that time! There are, of course, ladies that choose to make something on their own, since they believe that anything bought won’t truly express their love. 

Despite the romantic nature of the day, a woman in Japan will not give chocolate only to her loved one! Giri-choko, or obligation chocolate, is the kind of chocolate given to co-workers or male friends, so as to express gratitude for good relations. The chocolate given to a lady’s one and only love is called Honmei-choko, which means true love chocolate. So don’t get all excited if you receive chocolate from your Japanese friend, because it could just be giri-choko!*

All this might seem a bit unfair…shouldn’t women also receive some kind of present? Of course they should. That’s why the Japanese also have what is called the White Day, which is celebrated exactly one month after Valentine’s, on the 14^th of March. On that day, it is men that give presents. Because of the day’s name, the presents have to be white. The most popular ones are jewelry, white chocolate, cookies, marshmallows and white lingerie. Just like it happens with Valentine’s Day, a man giving a present to a woman does not necessarily mean he’s in love with her. He could have received giri-choko from her and he’s simply returning the favour.

So this is how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan! What do you think about this day? Do you celebrate it in a specific way? Let us know in the comments section! J

Sources:

Japantimes.co.jp, jnto.go.jp, Japanese.about.com