<Valentine’s Day’s Culture in Japan>

 

In Korea, Valentine’s Day is known as the day when women give chocolates to whom they’re interested in. It is also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, and is celebrated on February 14.

 

Valentine’s Day originated from 3rd Century Rome, when Saint Valentine was martyred on February 14th. He was a patron of love (among many other things) and is known for marrying young men and women in love even against the orders of authorities. Since then, February 14 has been celebrated in honor of Saint Valentine. Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in any country, but an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and in some churches.

 

As Valentine’s Day is a famous day all over the world, there are lots of traditions in each country. Especially in Japan, as a sales strategy, the tradition of gifting chocolates to important people or loved ones started. At first, students started catching on this tradition, until this trend spread all over the country regardless of age. So naturally, there are various meanings associated to different kinds of chocolate-gifting in Japan. 

 

For example, tomo chocolate is gifted between women. Currently, young women in Japan spend Valentine’s Day to share chocolate with friends, instead of showing admiration for their romantic interests.

 

There is also giri chocolate. In Japanese, giri means “obligation.” Giri chocolates are simple chocolates since they are usually given to family or friends just as a social obligation.

 

Then there is Honmei chocolate, which means “homemade” chocolate.Honmei chocolate is usually given to  a person that you are romantically interested in. Sometimes, ironically, people buy homnei chocolates, rather than actually making them by themselves. Honmei chocolates are usually more expensive and luxurious than other chocolates.

While traditionally chocolate is given from a woman to main in Japan, there is also Gyaku chocolate. In Japanese, gyaku means “opposite,” meaning. Gyaku chocolate is given from a man to a woman. This many indicate that the tradition of Valentine’s Day might be slowly changing.

 

And lastly, there is my chocolate. My chocolate is chocolate that one gifts themselves. It has the  meaning of rewarding oneself, or can be a way to soothe loneliness on Valentine’s Day for the loverless. It is also called zico chocolate, jubung chocolate, or gohobi chocolate, which all mean “myself” in Japanese.

 

Valentine’s Day 2024 is already over. Were you brave enough to gift someone you admire some chocolates, or lucky enough to receive some from people you adore? Whichever “type” of chocolate you received or plan to exchange next year, let us not forget that it’s our care for others that matters the most.