Valentine’s Day is coming soon!
Actually, Valentine’s Day is an event enjoyed all over the world, including Japan, my home country! So today, I will tell you about Japanese Valentine’s Day!
Who Do You Give to?
In Japan, the women give the men in most cases.
Giving chocolate has a lot of meaning, for example, expressing love to the person you love and showing appreciation to your friends.
The chocolate which women give their lovers is called “Honmei Choco.”
“Honmei” means “you are the only one who is special to me.” Japanese men are so nervous about whether they will get a “Honmei Choco” from the woman they like on Valentine’s Day.
The chocolate that women give friends is called “Giri Choco.”
“Giri” means appreciation. Japanese women give chocolate to their friends who have been especially helpful as a means of expressing gratitude.
White Day
On the contrary, there is an event where the men give the women a present, it is called White Day. On White Day, the present is not necessarily chocolates. Actually, the gifts in return have important meanings.
If you are given…
○Marshmallows
It means “I don’t like you.”
Because the marshmallows melt and disappear as soon as they are put in the mouth, it indicates that our relationship is thin to that extent.
○Cookies
It means “We are friends.”
Because cookies are crispy and not gooey.
It indicates that our relationship is not strong.
○Candies
It means “I love you.”
Because candies are sweets that can be enjoyed in the mouth for a long time.
It indicates that I want to spend sweet time with you.
○Macarons
It means “ You are special to me.”
Because macarons are known to be expensive and rare sweets.
It indicates that you are a surprising, amazing, and fantastic person to me.
Japanese people may like to express their feelings with something other than words.
How Do You Say “…” in Japanese?
In Japan, like in America, there are many expressions of love.
○あいしてる, or “Aishireru”
It means “I love you.”
This is only used for special people.
○すき, or “Suki”
It means “I love you,” too.
But it is used more casually and routinely, and for animals and things other humans, too.
○つきあってください, or “Tukiatte Kudasai”
It means “I want to be a lover with you”
In Japan, if a person says it and gets a yes, they can be a lover!
How about Japanese Valentine’s Day Culture?
Let me know how you spent Valentine’s Day in your hometown too!