Valentine's Day in Japan

  

Like many things, Japan does things different from the rest of the world, including Valentine's Day. In America, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February. People In relationships use this day to surprise each other with lavish gifts like planned vacations, fancy dinners, and heartfelt letters. While people who are not in love, might spend the day more casually by watching a romantic comedy and eating ice cream at home.

In Japan, the celebration of love does not end until a day called ‘White day.’ You see, in Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on 14th of February, just like in America, but women are the ones responsible of buying men gifts. This day is used as an opportunity for young women to make their “confessions” of love to men by customarily giving them chocolates. I know that this may sound very shocking and perhaps even a little upsetting at first. The woman is doing all of the work you might think, but trust me it gets better. 

A month later, and White day comes along on March 14th. The idea is, if any man was confessed to on the 14th of February, he is given a whole month to contemplate whether he reciprocates feelings for his confessor. If he does not share the same feelings, it is respectful to give a gift back, but of one that is of equal or less value to show disinterest. In contrast, If he is interested, it is typical for men to gift back items that are up to triple the value of the originally received present.

 It is not only the value of the present that matters but the gift itself. Despite being part of the reason for the holiday's name, most people are no longer excited by the idea of receiving marshmallows as Akkerman explains: “Marshmallows used to be a popular gift to give on White Day, though in the last decades its meaning changed significantly. Because marshmallows can melt and dissolve, they are seen as a sign of disliking.” Probably something to avoid on White day. Although nice gifts, women are also not too satisfied with cookies as:“When a girl receives cookies on White Day, she will most likely be disappointed; with cookies men say ‘you are just a friend’.” Among “The best gift to receive is candy, especially hard candy as it signifies that the boy likes the girl too. Candy is something that you can enjoy for a longer period of time.”

Finally, where does the name White Day come from you might ask? Owners of candy stores created special arrangements for the occasion which often included marshmallows. The holiday was originally called ‘marshmallow day’ and was then changed to a more neutral “White Day” still referencing the white color of marshmallows. It is also thought that the color of white symbolizes the purity and love of a young couple.

Works Cited:

Akkerman, Stefanie, "What is White Day in Japan?", © 2015 Japan Wonder Travel Blog.

https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/white-day-in-japan-30937