We all know what day February 14th is. It’s “the day of love” also known as Valentine's Day. It’s common to celebrate Valentine’s day by giving gifts to someone we love or significant other. But did u know that they Celebrate a second Valentine’s day in Japan?! It’s called White Day.
In Japan they celebrate Valentine’s day a bit differently, it’s up to girls/women to give chocolate to boys/men. (Homemade) chocolates, cookies or other edibles are the most popular gifts.
Nowadays, they’re not only giving chocolates to their special ones but also give sweets or chocolates to friends and/or coworkers. For each type of Valentine’s Day chocolates given on Valentine’s Day, there is a special name for it.
本命チョコ (Honmei Choko)
Honmei choco are meant to be given to a romantic partner, or a person for whom a woman has romantic feelings. Honmei chocolates are love chocolates! Women often take great care to select honmei choco, which is typically, higher quality, more aesthetically appealing, and as such, higher in price.
友チョコ (Tomo Choko)
Not everyone celebrates romance on Valentine’s Day. It’s quite popular for women to give chocolates to their female friends too. This type of chocolate is called Tomo Choko, from the word ともだち (Tomodachi) – Friend.
義理チョコ (Giri Choko)
Giri Choko are known as the “obligation chocolates” and mostly given to coworkers, acquaintances and family members. These chocolates are in no way considered romantic.
What is White Day?
Exactly one month after Valentine’s day, it’s up to boys/men to return the favor. This day in Japan, also in other Asian countries like Taiwan and Korea, is called White day - ホワイトデー (Howaito dé).
It began as a Japanese holiday in 1978 that gave men the chance to show appreciation for the gifts they received on Valentine’s Day.
The first White Day was celebrated under the name “Marshmallow Day” and it was later changed to White Day to be more open. By the 80s a new tradition was born.
While Marshmallows was the original gifts. Why marshmallows you may ask? It’s because, marshmallow and chocolate go perfectly together! Nowadays, also other gifts like candies, cookies, jewelry and accessories are common gifts.
Happy White Day lovelies!! Wish you a day full of LOVE, all day everyday.
