Another import from the West that evolved into a wacky holiday, at least for us foreigners. The Japanese Valentine’s Day is so different from the original holiday that it should probably be given another name. I mean, every year I have to go get my male bosses giri choco (義理チョコ, obligatory chocolate given as a form of relationship smoother). Now where did that custom come from? And why is it only the guys that get chocolate? Do Japanese guys even like chocolate?
Several of my students are going to be making chocolates and cupcakes this weekend. Mostly they give it to their friends, or their dads and brothers. But some, more like a few, make them for guys they have crushes on. This is because Valentine’s Day in Japan is this time when it’s okay to tell a guy you like him and you show it by giving him chocolate. If you’re lucky and the guy you like actually likes you back, he may give you chocolate back on White Day, St. Valentine’s Day’s alter-holiday (which is on March 14).
How cruel is that? Wait a whole month to see if a guy likes you back? What’s more, I heard that if a guy doesn’t like you, he’ll give you marshmallows! I’m thinking that part had to be a joke…
What a crazy holiday… Can’t wait for Tanabata…
Well, you know, when life gives you marshmallows… MAKE S’MORES!
Hehehe, Good one, Himawari! Thanks for the comment!
Takeshi’s Castle is one of my very favourite shows of all times … you really don’t know what can becomes a big hits.
St. Valentine’s day is just a commercial op. to sell chocolates and flowers! Well anyway chocolate and flowers are always better than gas, alcohol and cigarettes; plus chocolate is just … chocolate. *hum*
What I don’t like is that in this V-Day -> White day system it’s always the girl taking the risk of getting rejected. Unfair! Both should have the occasion to get publicly humiliated on the same day.
Thanks again for commenting, Simaldeff!
Yes, the candy and jewelry companies all profit from the public’s acceptance of these foreign holidays. I heard it’s the same for Christmas and Halloween. Japan saw how profitable these holidays are in America and probably the rest of the world, and they saw a big opportunity. And you’re right, candy and flowers are better than gas, alcohol and cigarettes!
It’s the ladies I feel sorry for, too. It is unfair! That probably why this is so: Why Japanese women dislike Valentine’s Day
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4712542.stm
(Taken from BBC)