Valentine’s Day in Japan is primarily marked by women giving chocolates to men, divided into ‘honmei-choco’ for romantic interests and ‘giri-choco’ for others. The celebration has adapted to include reciprocal gift-giving on White Day, a month later. Valentine’s Day in Japan has evolved from a tradition where women gave chocolates to men into a celebration with various customs, from giri-choco (obligation chocolates) to honmei-choco (true love chocolates) and self-indulgence chocolates. The meaning behind the day continues to change, with less emphasis on obligations and more focus on As a matter of fact, Valentine's Day in Japan takes place in two steps: Valentine's Day (on February 14, initiated around 1958, by the confectionary brand Morinaga 森永); White Day (on March 14, a month later, initiated during the 1970's). Valentine's Day : gifts from women to men Each culture has their own way of celebrating Valentine’s Day and expressing love for one another, and Japan dedicates not one, but two days of the year to this love-ly holiday! Here’s everything you need to know about Valentine’s Day in Japan, and its companion holiday, White Day. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, while White Day in Japan is celebrated a month later, on March 14th. Exactly one month later on March 14th, Japan celebrates what is known as “White Day.” This is where the recipients of Valentine's Day chocolates are expected to return the favor. Many women look forward to this day where men are encouraged to show their feelings through gift giving. Shops in Japan are really on top of their holiday displays. As soon as the clocks strike 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 25, the Christmas trees turn into New Year’s decorations. These then change to oni (demon) masks faster than you can say mamemaki (bean throwing) for Setsubun. If you regularly shop in places like Loft or Tokyu In most countries, the special day falls on February 14th, and men and women around the world express their love for each other, by exchanging presents or going on dates. In Japan, however, it is not only for couples (or families) but also friends or even co-workers to celebrate Valentine’s Day together. In Japan it is only the girls who give chocolate on February 14. The boys have their day a month later, on March 14, when White Day is celebrated. Before I said that in Japan Valentine’s Day has no romantic meaning but that is not completely true. When this festivity began to be celebrated in Japan, the act of giving away chocolate was much more. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is an international holiday on which people celebrate love. How people celebrate however varies from country to country, and this is no different in Japan. Today, let’s take a look at the features of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Whether celebrating Valentine’s Day and White Day the traditional Japanese way or honoring your culture’s take on the romantic holiday, you’ll need to plan a great date for you and that special someone. Unsurprisingly, Tokyo’s robust consumer culture has many options for outings and price points. The holiday gained popularity in Japan around 1958, but it was in the late 1970s that Valentine’s Day became a part of Japanese society. The “Japanese-style Valentine’s Day” also emerged, where women express affection by giving chocolates to men. New Year’s Day is followed by Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter — a celebration for every month, but there weren’t any holidays in Japan then. So Japanese manufacturers saw one thing: an opening, a gap — and business potential. Tokyo’s LOVE sculpture is in Nishi-Shinjuku, next to Shinjuku i-Land! Japan’s unique Valentine’s Day traditions have found interest overseas via anime and manga series featuring homemade chocolates and White Day celebrations, but a good old-fashioned Valentine’s Day date is at the heart of this romantic holiday even in Japan. In most places celebrating Valentine’s Day, women can expect chocolates, flowers and a romantic dinner from their partner. However, in Japan, it’s the opposite: women give chocolates to the men in their lives—from their boyfriends to their coworkers—although not all chocolates are equal. The special men in their lives receive honmei choco, “true feeling” chocolates, while Three date destinations for all those hopeless romantics spending Valentine's Day in Japan. Valentine's Day in Japan Tokyo's LOVE sculpture is in Nishi-Shinjuku, next to Shinjuku i-Land! Japan's unique Valentine's Day traditions have found interest overseas via anime and manga series featuring homemade chocolates and White Day On February 14th we celebrate Valentine’s Day – also here in Japan! However, Valentine’s Day in Japan might be different from what you are used to. First of all, it’s a Western “holiday” that Japan adopted and modified – similar to Christmas. I’m mainly going to tell you from my own experience. Japanese Valentine’s Day traditions largely revolve around the gifting of chocolate, but there are many other fun, lovey-dovey things you can do on Cupid’s Day. If you’re looking for fun date ideas or want to learn more about Valentine’s Day traditions in Japan, keep reading! We’ll teach you about everything from “giri choko” to In this article, we present 15 charming date spots and activities in Japan for a memorable Valentine's Day. From enchanting night vistas to captivating theme parks and serene nature spots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Valentine's Day Destinations in Japan. Hokkaido 1. Otaru Canal Snow Light Festival 2. Hakodate City View from Mt Image credit: cowardlion/Shutterstock. Indulge in a leisurely soak at a natural hot spring with your loved one for a truly romantic Valentine’s Day experience in Japan. . Numerous spas offer couples the chance to enjoy the healing properties of hot springs, where water bubbles up from over 1500 metres underground, promoting relaxation and well
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