DLC Blog

Valentine's Day and White Day

So I'm sure many of us, if not all of us are familiar with Valentine's day (which is on Feb. 14th if anyone has forgotten) and how lovers, friends and family give each other gifts that express their affection for one another. However, in Japan, the culture is a bit different from the other side of the Pacific.
In Japan, on Valentine's Day, people go mass crazy over giving chocolates to their their special someone. However, unlike the west, only the women give gifts to men. And when I say they go crazy, I really mean it. Here is a picture of a volkswagon beattle that was covered in chocolate as a decoration for Valentine's Day two years ago.

And if you think that is crazy check out these next photos of the Mona Lisa and Brussel's Grand Platz also done two years ago.

Now this may seem like its unfair that only the women give presents to the guys, but one month later, on March 14th there is White Day. On White Day, the guys return the favor. The gifts range from things like marshmellows (as the day was invented by a marshmellow company) candies, chocolates, and the usual. Here are some pics on the type of gifts given on White day.

But, there is also a "tradition" which isn't really practiced as much as when white day first came about, but originally, if the guy liked the girl he would give her a marshmellow, but if he didn't he would then just give her a candy. I asked some friends around here if they still do that, but I guess most people just give whatever. Anyway, be warned that if you do receive some chocolates on v-day in Japan, try and make the effort to repay the favor one month later.

Posted by Alex at January 25, 2006 04:50 PM in .