Celebrating Valentine's Day in Japan: A Guide to Japanese Traditions

Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide as a day of love and affection. Japan has its own unique take on this special occasion, with traditions that are different from other countries. Whether you're a local or a tourist, this guide will help you understand and appreciate Japanese Valentine's Day customs.

The Origin of Japanese Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day in Japan originated in the 1950s, when it was introduced by confectionery companies. Unlike other countries where Valentine's Day is primarily a celebration between romantic partners, in Japan it is a day for women to show their affection to the men in their lives. This can be a romantic partner, but it can also be a friend, colleague, or family member.

Types of Valentine's Day Gifts in Japan

In Japan, it is customary for women to give gifts to men on Valentine's Day. Chocolate is usually the most common gift in Japan, as well as flowers to your romantic partner. We'll talk more about the types of chocolate later, but we've also put together a list of 8 original snack box ideas from Japan to gift to your Valentine's!

White Day: A Return Gift for Men

White Day is a holiday that takes place in Japan on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine's Day. It is a day for men to return the favor and show their gratitude to the women who gave them gifts on Valentine's Day. On White Day, men typically give gifts of sweets, such as candy, cookies, or chocolate, to the women in their lives.

This holiday was created as a marketing campaign by confectionery companies in the 1970s, but it has since become a widely recognized and celebrated holiday in Japan. White Day gifts are often more elaborate and expensive than the gifts given on Valentine's Day, as they are meant to show a deeper level of appreciation and affection.

In recent years, White Day has become more inclusive, with people of all genders and sexual orientations celebrating it as a day of love and appreciation. Some people also give gifts to friends and family members on White Day, as a way to show their love and affection for those closest to them.

Overall, White Day is an important part of the Valentine's Day celebration in Japan and is a unique aspect of Japanese culture.

Other Popular Valentine's Day Traditions

Valentine's Day is celebrated in Japan with its own unique traditions and customs. Unlike in other countries where Valentine's Day is primarily a celebration between romantic partners, in Japan it is a day for women to show their affection to the men in their lives, which can include romantic partners, friends, colleagues, and family members.

One of the main traditions on Valentine's Day in Japan is gift-giving. Women typically give gifts of chocolate to the men in their lives, with two main types of chocolate:

• "giri-choco" (obligatory chocolate)
• "honmei-choco" (true feeling chocolate).

Giri-choco is given to colleagues and acquaintances as a polite gesture, while honmei-choco is given to a romantic partner as a symbol of true affection. Honmei-choco is often more expensive and has a personal touch, while giri-choco is more utilitarian.

Another popular tradition on Valentine's Day in Japan is going out on romantic dates. Couples often go out to dinner at a restaurant or take a walk together to enjoy each other's company. Some couples also exchange gifts, such as flowers, jewelry, or other tokens of affection.

In addition to these traditions, many people in Japan decorate their homes and workplaces with flowers, balloons, and other festive decorations to celebrate the occasion. Overall, Valentine's Day in Japan is a special and beloved holiday that brings people together to show their love and appreciation for one another.

Conclusion

Valentine's Day in Japan is a unique and special occasion that offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and customs. Whether you're a local or a tourist, understanding and participating in these traditions is a great way to show your love and affection to the special people in your life. If you're still looking for a gift idea, try our Japanese Snack Box!