Full of Chocolates! Valentine's Day in Japan

Valentine's Day is around the corner!

Valentine's Day in Japan is a fascinating cultural experience, but it's quite different from its Western counterpart. If you're a foreigner living or visiting Japan, here's a crash course to help you navigate this unique tradition.

The Role Reversal

Forget about men giving chocolates and flowers! In Japan, women are the primary gift-givers on Valentine's Day. They express their feelings (or social obligations) through chocolate, with different types for different relationships:

• Honmei-choco (本命チョコ): The special, heartfelt chocolates given to someone with romantic feelings.

• Giri-choco (義理チョコ): Obligation chocolates given to male colleagues, friends, or superiors.

• Tomo-choco (友チョコ): Friend chocolates exchanged among female friends.

• Jibun-choco (自分チョコ): Self-chocolate, a treat for yourself!

Japan takes chocolate seriously on Valentine's Day. Department stores and shops transform into chocolate havens, offering a mind-boggling variety of flavors, shapes, and packaging. Handmade chocolates are also popular, especially for "honmei-choco."

White Day!

One month later, on March 14th, Japan celebrates White Day. Men who received "honmei-choco" are expected to reciprocate with gifts that are typically twice or thrice the value of the chocolates they received (sanbai gaeshi). This creates a unique pressure on men, so be understanding if your special someone seems stressed!

Bonus Tip: Learn some basic Japanese phrases like "Happy Valentine's Day" (バレンタインデーおめでとう, Barentain Dē omedētō) and "Thank you" (ありがとう, Arigatō).