Be Mine?

In America around February 14th, we are used to being bombarded with the overcommercialization of Valentine's Day.  So my expectations of V-day in Japan were more than slightly overrated.  Valentine's Day is celebrated in Japan but due to a typo of a chocolate-company executive during the initial campaigns, the custom is that only women give chocolates to men.  Lame.  Unlike other Western countries, gifts, flowers, cards, and dates usually aren't expected.  There are three different kinds of chocolate given: giri-choco, honmei-choco, and tomo-choco.

Many women feel obliged to give chocolate to male coworkers.  This chocolate is known as giri-choko (義理チョコ), from giri ("obligation") and choko, ("chocolate").  This contrasts with honmei-choko (本命チョコ, favorite chocolate), chocolate given to a loved one.  And lastly, friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (友チョコ); from tomo meaning "friend".

Thankfully, a marshmallow manufacturer tried to popularize "White Day", a reply day on March 14th, where men are expected to return the favor to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day.  However, marshmallows aren't very tasty and white chocolate became more popular to give.  Originally only chocolate was given but now other gifts such as jewelry, clothing, and lingerie are acceptable.  Men are expected to return gifts that are at least two or three times more valuable than the gifts received on Valentine's Day (nice!).  Not returning the gift is perceived as the man placing himself in a position of superiority.  Returning a present of equal value is considered a way to say that you are breaking off the relationship.  However, I'm pretty sure these rules only apply to couples, not your coworkers - because that could get awkward...

Still no history of date nights, which is where I think Japanese girls are getting the short straw.  In my opinion, going on a romantic date on Valentine's day is the best part!  I will have to celebrate this holiday again when I get home since most of my coworkers and students didn't even realize that it was V-day.  And it's an excuse to get Kirby to take me out. ;)