Forget the traditional roses and fancy dinners, Valentine’s Day in Japan takes its own unique turn, where chocolates are in style and love takes on a different flavor. Let’s delve into the delightful world of this cultural celebration, exploring its history, and traditions, and why it’s far from any other country’s version that you’ve ever celebrated. I promise it’s something you’ve never seen before!
When Hearts Start Beating in February
Japan’s Valentine’s Day doesn’t just take place solely on February 14th. The build-up starts weeks before, with department stores bursting with decorations and special promotions. It’s a month-long celebration of the love and friendship of women, and of course, all things chocolate! However, the story doesn’t just end there. So, prepare yourself for a two-part love epic, because there is another special day on March 14th called White Day, where the tables turn and men have to reciprocate the chocolates they have received.
Celebrating White Day – Credit: tsunagu Local
An Interesting History
The origin of Japanese Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the 1950s, led by a clever marketing campaign by department stores. They aimed to target women, encouraging them to express their love and affection through the sweet language of chocolate. This unique twist matches well with the culture, where implicit expressions of love are often preferred. This campaign turned V-Day into a day for women to express love to their close ones. Doesn’t it seem strange to have only women expressing their love on Valentine’s Day? I was shocked too but reading further about White Day ultimately satisfied me.
Japanese Valentine’s Day Chocolates – Credit: Ken Lee
Traditions that Will Melt Your Heart
Chocolate Harmony
Forget the general heart-shaped boxes. In Japan, Valentine’s Day chocolates come in a dazzling lineup of shapes, flavors, and prices. Honmei-choco (true feeling chocolates) are lovingly made for someone special, while giri-choco (obligation chocolates) are to be given to friends, colleagues, and even bosses! Because, at its roots, it’s just a day to show everyone that you care for them.
Lovely homemade Valentine’s cookies – Credit: cotta
Homemade Delights
Chocolates made at home hold a special place in people’s hearts. Women take pride in whipping up delicious treats, showcasing their culinary skills while mixing their utmost love and sincerity into these treats.
Cacao Confessions
Here, this is often a day for shy souls to confess their feelings through chocolate without anyone knowing. So, look out for elegantly decorated boxes with heartfelt handwritten messages, adding a touch of romance to the air!
Woman giving chocolate – Credit: Ikidane
Cultural Aspects
It’s the Women’s Day:
While women are known to take center stage on this romantic holiday, men traditionally don’t reciprocate with gifts on the same day. They wait for White Day to return the love, often with gifts like cookies, jewelry, or even white chocolates. Since women are obligated to give chocolates to men, it is also known as Chocolate Obligation Day!
Showing love for friends by giving chocolates – Credit: tsunagu local
Friendship Frenzy
It isn’t just about romantic love. Tomo-choco, known as friend chocolate, is a sweet way to celebrate platonic bonds, reminding friends of their special place in your life and hearts. Japanese Valentine’s is just a wholesome display, where you tell all of your loved ones how much you care for them.
Singlehood Celebrations:
Don’t be surprised if you see groups of single friends enjoying “Galentine’s Day” outings or indulging in extravagant treats. Celebrating self-love and heartful friendships is a big part of the experience.
Japan boasts of being the world’s third-highest chocolate consumption country per capita, and this holiday takes the cake, or should we say, chocolate? Kit Kats are a popular Valentine’s Day gift, often engraved with special messages, since they are considered good luck charms. Are you looking for a unique romantic experience on this lovely day? It is the peak season for themed love hotels, offering super decorative rooms and luxurious amenities.
Giving Obligation Chocolate – Credit: Savvy Tokyo
Fun Facts and Busting Myths
The country’s Valentine’s Day is a captivating mix of sweet traditions and strange superstitions. We know that women rule the day, gifting chocolates to coworkers (giri-choco) or special homemade boxes (honmei-choco) to their beloved. However, even dislikes are acknowledged with cheap cho-giri choco!
There are tons of myths and superstitions surrounding love, such as couples witnessing Tokyo Tower’s midnight lights switching off will result in them staying together forever. The lights even go off at midnight to fulfill this promise! Romance seems to flourish on Enoshima island, where couples lock their “love locks” symbolizing never-ending love and devotion. But beware, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneysea, and Inokashira Park’s swan boats are rumored to bring breakups, so couples stay far away from these.
Japan’s version of Valentine’s Day offers a refreshing outlook on love and gift-giving. It emphasizes nice and delicate gestures, appreciation for all social bonds, and the joy of expressing emotions through delicious chocolaty treats. This day is a reminder that love comes in many forms and everyone has some special place in your heart, whether on the tier of inspiration, friendship, or true love! And sometimes, the sweetest way to say that you care is with a box of beautifully hand-crafted chocolates.
So, whether you’re planning a trip to Japan around this time or simply curious about this unique cultural experience, remember, in the Land of the Rising Sun, love rises and takes an amusing and heartwarming twist, leaving you with a taste of something truly special!
Feature photo credit: The Beauty May
If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
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