Lovers across America are preparing for (arguably) the most romantic day of year. Dates are being meticulously planned. Cards are being written. Parents are buying valentines and candy for classroom parties.

Yes, we’re all familiar with the way pink and red sweeps the nation as soon as the New Year begins, and Christmas has been put away. We also all know what it does to our pocketbooks, as well as what it does to our hearts.

But does it happen in Japan?

The short answer is… yes.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Japan

If you were to go to work, or to school, on a Valentine’s Day in Japan, you might think it was exactly like Valentine’s Day in America, at first glance.

For example, you might find gifts of sugary goodness being passed around, just like here in the States. However, if you paid close attention, you’d probably notice these main differences:

The first key difference between Japan’s Valentine’s Day and America’s Valentine’s Day is who is doing the giving. You see, in America, we women often expect the man to make the plans—buy us a gift, plan a romantic dinner, take us on a special date—but in Japan, the only gift giving you’ll see on Valentine’s Day is the other way around: girls to guys.

The second key difference is what is being given—chocolate! And it is often homemade! Girls might spend hours prepping their delectable treats for the boys they like. Which brings us to our last key difference—it isn’t only about couples.

Girls might give chocolate to others they like too (not just the one they love). Fathers, brothers, and other friends might alsoexpect to receive chocolate on Valentine’s Day in Japan.

Homemade chocolate, molded, set, and wrapped with love and admiration! Doesn’t that sound delicious?

But Isn’t it Unfair that the Girls Don’t Get Anything?

Actually, it is totally fair. In fact, I’d even say the girls still get the better end of the deal, even though they are the only ones giving on Valentine’s Day. This is because the Japanese take Valentine’s Day one step farther—by creating another holiday to go with it.

On March 14, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, comes White Day.

What’s White Day?

Well, I’m so glad you asked.

White Day is the day when all the boys who received chocolate give gifts to the girls who gave it to them the month before.

These gifts can be something as simple as a decorative eraser or a pencil case, though the sky’s the limit. Just something to say, “I appreciated your Valentine’s gift.”

Wait. If There’s a White Day, Is There a Black Day Too?

… The truth is—yes! But it’s not really a Japan thing yet.

Originating in South Korea, Black Day is a day for single men and women to drown their loneliness and lift their spirits by eating black food (usually black noodles).

I first read about it in a manga… Kitchen Princess I believe. Not even the character being told about it knew it existed, so I had my doubts of its actuality. But after a bit of research, I did confirm it. Black Day, on April 14th, is real.

Not Just One Holiday, But Two

Well, I hope you learned a thing or two about Japan’s holidays than you knew before! Valentine’s Day is a day for girls to give chocolate to the boys they admire, and White Day, just one month later, is when those who received chocolates give something nice in return.

ハッピーバレンタインデー🇯🇵❤️Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love you all!