Hanae Ishikawa blog: Valentine's Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day in Japan

The difference between the U.S. and Japan

February 14^th may be one of the important days for the romantic relationship. Couples could use this day for showing their gratitude and love to each other. In the United States, it is common that people exchange gifts, cards, candy or flowers, right? Since I came to the U.S. 3 years ago, I have seen men holding red roses for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. However, this is not what I see in Japan on Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is the “confession day” for girls who don’t have boyfriend. They prepare chocolate and give it to the guy that they are in love with. As Valentine’s Day gets closer, a lot of chocolates are sold from various brands at the food department in a shopping mall. Women go there and hunt the chocolate they want. The food department is so crowded, employees are shouting to get more customers to sell more chocolates… It is a war. Meanwhile, guys usually do nothing on Valentine’s Day. They also have a chance to get chocolates from women who are not their girlfriends because women give chocolate to not only for their love but also male friends. Not all of guys like candy and chocolate, but getting many chocolates is a status for them. I’m not a guy so I really don’t know, but I guess getting a lot of chocolates makes them feel popular, cool, macho etc. When the chocolate is not for confessing love, women always make sure to not mislead guys. Usually the chocolates for friends don’t have special wrappings, no hearts and no cards. It’s for being thankful to be friends.

So what should men do for women? There is a day called “White Day” in Japan. It’s March 14^th which is exactly after 1 month of Valentine’s Day. White Day is for men who got chocolates, giving something back to women. It started about 40 years ago in Japan by sweet treat companies for advertisement. They named it “White Day” because white symbolizes purity. Usually men get marshmallow or handkerchief for female friends, and for the partner, they tend to get more expensive gifts. Some of them take her out to the fancy restaurant. I think this custom comes from a typical Japanese characteristic. We Japanese feel that we have to give something back to them with gratitude when we get gift or treat from others. That’s why it was easy to make White Day established for Japanese people.

Valentine’s Day in the U.S. and Japan are a little different, but I think the motive is same. We want to make people we love happy. I hope you enjoy this year’s Valentine’s Day with friends, family and loved ones no matter you’re single or taken, and don’t forget to tell them how much you love them.