Tag: Valentine’s Day culture in Japan

What do rock concerts and Valentine’s day have in common?

They both begin with a spontaneous emotion but over time the performance becomes ritualized and people anticipate the expected songs/gifts and they both must deliver.

Head’s up to men everywhere – women like to be spoiled every day of the year.
Romance is natural and not something forced, and gifts should be unexpected instead of expected. So don’t save it only for one commercially enforced day of the year. Holidays imposed upon us for the sole purpose of profit making are not expression of a loving sentiment. However, it’s a not so subtle reminder to show appreciation for those we love and sometimes for those we don’t.

Having once lived in Japan I remember a few customary rituals to do with their version of Valentine’s Day.

First off, there’s White Day – the male counterpart to Valentine’s Day in Japan, where the tradition is that women give expensive chocolates to men they’re romantically involved with, and cheaper chocolates to their coworkers, bosses and sometime older brothers.

Giri-choco (義理チョコ) is a custom where woman give chocolates to male colleagues.  It’s an unspoken obligation to give chocolates to your boss.

Whereas Honmei choco (本命チョコ, or “true love chocolate”) is inspired by romantic interest and given to husbands, boyfriends, or a potential love interest.

Here’s a sprinkling of some of my favourite Valentine quotes:

“It is not love that makes a relationship complicated; it’s the people in it who do.” — Unknown

“I wanted to make it really special on Valentine’s Day, so I tied my boyfriend up. And for three solid hours, I watched whatever I wanted on TV.” — Tracy Smith

 “Valentine’s Day: the holiday that reminds you that if you don’t have a special someone, you’re alone.” —Lewis Black

 “You can’t buy love, but you can pay heavily for it.” — Henny Youngman

 “Remember, your Valentine’s card shows you care enough to send the very best, even though you’re too lazy to put it in your own words.” — Melanie White

“One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry.” — Oscar Wilde”

outside a restaurant in Palm Springs

“If Christmas is considered the most wonderful time of the year, then Valentine’s Day is most definitely the LOVEliest day of the year.” – d. king

ENJOY!

Header Photo: d. king **(if you receive this via e-mail you can click on the title to get the full screen.)