Ah Valentine's Day. A day where in America couples give each other presents such as Chocolate, stuffed toys, or flowers to celebrate their love for each other. You would think that Valentine's Day would be the same in other countries too, right? Wrong! This past weekend was Valentine's Day and I realized that Japan celebrates Valentine's Day differently than in the States.

First of all in Japan Valentine's Day is a mainly female holiday where mostly only girls partake in it. It is possible for a male to partake as well but it would be seen by others as more feminine. In Japan this day is when a female, or male, would give [only] chocolate to a person she has feelings for. Sometimes women would take this as an opportunity to confess to that person as well. For those that have a significant other then they would just give them the chocolate. Not giving your boyfriend chocolate would make it seem like you don't really like him in the eyes of your peers. In the U.S. this wouldn't be such a big deal as everyone show love a different way. However, in Japan there is an unspoken rule to fit in with the people around you. But that is another topic that I don't wish to discuss right now.

Another thing is that there are different types of chocolate and they mean different things. You can give "Giri-Choco" which is obligatory chocolate you would give to friends or "Honmei-Choco" which is special chocolate you would give to a lover/significant other. Honmei-Choco is almost always handmade, although it can be store bought. It's the thought that you used all your love to make something you probably have never made before in hopes that the receiver can sense your love for them.

Now if Valentine's Day in Japan is for females, what about males? I'm glad you asked! This is where White Day comes in. On White Day (March 14th) males who received chocolate will give something back. This can be white chocolate or another present. As my friends host mother once said,
"If he really loves you then he will give you something other than chocolate on White Day."
If someone confessed their love for you, then you better get a good return a present on White Day. I'll talk more about that next month once the day passes.

As for my experience with Valentine's Day, it was less anticlimactic that I had hoped. I mean I couldn't expect much because I have a boyfriend who is on the other side of the world from me. So I decided to give chocolate to my female friends that I made, some of which are in the same situation. Essentially I gave everyone Giri-Choc. I had plans to actually make chocolate by hand so that I could experience that part of Valentine's Day, but I had completely forgot until I got to school! After class I ran to the 7-11 convenient store to buy some. I ended up getting a pack of single pieces of chocolate: Meiji Milk chocolate and Meiji Black (aka dark) Chocolate. Valentine's Day chocolate in Japan is a bit expensive; probably the reason why everyone makes their own. In the past I would give something other than chocolate but in Japan is almost a requirement unless you know the person your giving too doesn't like chocolate. I bought chocolate for my boyfriend too who is coming to visit me next month and payed roughly $4 for two pieces of Godiva chocolate at 7-11! I should have just prepared to make some my self. I wanted to get more and get people actual chocolate presents instead of just a piece but my wallet was not as caring as I was. The only thing I can think of to make up for the people who got me great presents will be to get them a great White Day present. Although I have no idea what to get yet, I have a month to hopefully sort it all out. Wish me luck!