Valentine’s Day and White Day: lovers’ days in Japan

In Japan, there are two important dates for couples in love. Although both celebrations have been adopted from the West, the Japanese have created their own unique traditions and meanings around them. Learn more about Valentine’s Day and White Day, lovers’ days in Japan.

February 14, Valentine’s Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day is a popular celebration that has been adopted in Japan in the past few decades. Unlike other countries, where February 14 is mainly a celebration for couples, in Japan it is also an occasion to show affection and appreciation to friends. Valentine’s Day in Japan is also known as “Barentain Dei“.

Japanese women often give chocolate to men, be they their husbands, boyfriends, friends or co-workers. Two types of chocolate are given: the “giri-choco“, given to friends and colleagues as a token of friendship and appreciation, and the “honmei-choco“, that is given to the couple. In addition to chocolate, it is also customary for couples to go out for dinner or some other type of entertainment to celebrate their love. Shops and streets are dressed in special Valentine’s Day decorations.

White Day, Japanese Valentine’s Day in March

In Japan, on March 14 -one month after Valentine’s Day- they celebrate White Day or “Howaito Dē”. On this day, Japanese men usually reciprocate the women who gave them chocolate on Valentine’s Day, giving them some candy or gift. White Day is a relatively new tradition in Japan, but it has become quite popular in recent decades. The origin of White Day is somewhat controversial, there are several theories about its origin. One of the most accepted is that it was created by Japanese confectionery companies in the 1980s to boost sweets and chocolate sales in March. Another theory suggests that White Day has its roots in an ancient Central Europe’s tradition, in which lovers exchanged gifts on St. George’s Day (April 23).

In Japan, this tradition was associated with Valentine’s Day, creating White Day as a way of responding to gifts that had previously been received.

To sum up, Valentine’s Day and White Day offer a great opportunity to show love and affection to our loved ones.

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