Read about the origin, history and celebration of Valentine's Day (White Day) in Japan.
Fundoo Times: Festivals: Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day in Japan

Valentine's Day in Japan

Origin and History of Valentine's Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day is celebrated as White Day in Japan on March 14. White Day falls one month exactly after Valentine’s Day. White Day was first celebrated in the year 1978. It was introduced by the National Confection Industry who came up with an idea that men should return the favor to women by presenting gifts on Valentine's Day. The day was also known as Marshmallow Day. Since then confectionery companies started producing white chocolate especially for this occasion. The color of the chocolate chosen for the event is generally white because of the name of the day. But today, men give both white and dark chocolates. It is also a recited rule that the return gift should be three times the cost of the Valentine's gift. The day is also marked with other gifts such as jewelry, clothing, or eatables. The men need to present the gifts to the women from whom they received chocolate on Valentine's Day (one month earlier). It is also considered as a romantic holiday in countries like Taiwan and South Korea.

Local name: White Day

Ways to celeberate White Day in Japan

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a unique fashion in Japan. The day is observed only by Japanese female throughout the country. Women buy gifts and chocolates for men and men return back the favor exactly a month after the occasion (i.e. White Day). Like any other country, chocolate is the most common gift purchased for this special occasion. Cookies, jewelry, white chocolate, white lingerie are among the traditionally popular White Day gifts.