Japanese Valentine’s Day Traditions

こんにちは〜 \(◕ω◕)/♥

There are only a few days left until Valentine’s day♥♥ Do you know how Japanese people celebrate Valentine’s day?

Valentine’s day in Japanese is バレンタインデー (barentain dē)♥

In Japan, Valentine’s day is the day for girls to give chocolates to the guy they like \(>ω<)/♥\(>ω<)/

It is common for girls to confess their love (告白-kokuhaku) on Valentine’s day by giving that special someone バレンタインチョコ (barentain choko-Valentine chocolate)♥♥

But Japanese girls don’t just give chocolate to the guy they like. There are actually three kinds of chocolate that are given on Valentine’s Day (◕ω◕)♥

The chocolate that is given to the guy you like is called 本命チョコ (honmei choko – literally, favorite chocolate).

Honmei choko can be expensive store-bought chocolate or, commonly,手作りチョコ (tezukuri choko) – handmade chocolate \(◕ω◕)/♥

Many Japanese girls also give chocolate to their female friends on Valentine’s Day! This is called 友チョコ (tomo choko – friend chocolate) (◕ω<)♥(>ω◕)

The third kind of chocolate that is given on valentine’s day is called 義理チョコ (giri choko – obligatory chocolate)☆

Giri choko is chocolate that you give out of obligation to your boss, coworkers, or male friends to show your appreciation for them. This way, nobody gets left out on Valentine’s Day (-ω-)☆

It may seem unfair that girls are expected to give out all this chocolate without any return. But don’t worry!

In Japan, March 14th is White Day – the day guys get a chance to repay their ladies for their Valentine’s gift! Common White day gifts include sweets, flowers, and other small gifts.

………………………………………………………………………………..

Do you want a Japanese tutor?

Take Japanese Skype Lessons with Professional Japanese Teachers on kakehashijapan.com!

………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………..