Valentine's Day In Japan

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi Valentine's Day banner from two years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're approaching that time of year again! 

Specifically, Valentine's Day on February 14, which is on a Sunday this year.

An article on how Valentine's Day is observed in Japan caught my eye. It is from Savvy Tokyo.

In a nutshell, the way they do Valentine's Day in Japan:

The main difference between a Valentine’s Day here compared with Valentine’s Day in the West, is that chocolates are given strictly from women to men—all men. Even to the ones you don’t fancy. 

In the States or the UK, if you happen to receive something on Valentine’s Day, you can safely assume that that someone may be sweet on you. But if you live in Japan, don’t get your hopes too high. 

According to the article, the average amount spent by Japanese women on Valentine's Day is anywhere from ¥500 to ¥1,000 per male co-worker (that can easily add up to a lot of money). ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 appears to be the going rate for "significant others".

Men reciprocate on White's Day, where they are expected to give to women who gave them chocolates on Valentine's Day. White's Day is observed on March 14, one month after Valentine's Day.

To read more, go here.