In Japan, Valentine's Day (バレンタインデー, barentaindē) Valentine's Day is highly ritualized. Different types of chocolates are given (or exchanged) on Valentine's Day, depending on the sender's gender, the recipient's social status, and the nature of their relationship. Discover the Japanese art of celebrating Valentine's Day!
History of Valentine's Day on the archipelago
Valentine's Day was introduced to the archipelago by chocolate manufacturers! Although it initially attracted little interest, Valentine's Day has become a commercial holiday and has become ingrained in customs, even inspiring many manga.
Japanese Valentine's Day is celebrated in two acts. Act one: women give chocolates to men on February 14th. Act two: men who received chocolates on February 14th can give women a gift in return (white chocolate, jewelry, white lingerie): this is White Day (ホワイトデー, howaito dē), celebrated on March 14th. Why "can offer"? Because the absence of reciprocation expresses one-sided love.
Some men give chocolates to women on Valentine's Day, chocolates which are called gyaku (逆チョコ, gyaku choco,(or "inverted chocolates"). These chocolates are recognizable by their packaging, the printing of which is intentionally reversed. Clever, isn't it?
Each chocolate has its own meaning!
本命チョコ(honmei choco), «favorite chocolates»: Offered by women to men for whom they have feelings (husband, boyfriend…).
義理チョコ(giri choco), «obligation chocolate»: Offered by women to men in their social circle to whom they have no particular attachment, namely their work colleagues or their superior. Considered a sign of politeness and social obligation.
友チョコ (tomo choco), «friendship chocolate»: Offered between friends, usually teenage girls, as a sign of affection.
パパチョコ (Chocolate Dad): Offered by young girls to their fathers.
自分チョコ (chocolate jibun), «chocolates for oneself»: Chocolates that one offers to oneself!
Is Valentine's Day a social obligation?
In Japan, Valentine's Day and White Day reflect a social obligation. Japanese culture is very strict when it comes to politeness: one must reciprocate what one receives, and the value of the gift returned must be greater than the one received. A gift given long in advance is also a sign of respect because the anticipation makes the gift more valuable.
This moral obligation has existed for centuries and is found in many cultures. Its purpose is to foster good relationships and promote prosperity within a society. Valentine's Day is, in a way, an opportunity to perpetuate this ancient ritual, while adding a touch of Western modernity!
Declaring your love in Japanese
- 愛 (ai): love
- Koi (恋): love
- 恋愛 (renai): love, falling in love
- 好き (suki): love, affection
- I love you very much (daisuki): I love you very much/I love you very much
- 愛してる (aishiteru): I love you
- Koibito (in love): lover
- 恋に落ちる (koi ni ochiru): falling in love
- Love at first sight (hitomebore): love at first sight
- 彼女 (kanojo): girlfriend
- 彼氏 (kareshi): boyfriend
- 告白 [する] (kokuhaku [suru]): declaration (declare one's love)
Four different words to say love?!
好き (suki): Can be used in a more "lighthearted" way than the other three. Expresses more affection than love. Can be used between friends as well as partners.
恋 (koi): Expresses a deeper and more passionate love than is usually felt at the beginning of a relationship.
愛 (ai): Represents a love that has been built and developed over time. It is a more "solid" love than koi (恋), which has a more "vibrant" side.
Renai (恋愛): Combines the kanji 恋 (koi) and 愛 (ai) and reflects the transition from koi to ai. Passionate feelings are still present, but the person or people feel a desire to stabilize and deeply anchor their relationship.
