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According to the earliest Japanese history records, on this day in the year 660 BC the first Japanese emperor was crowned. February 14 Valentine's Day: In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day. It is not a national holiday. More information is available on the Valentine's Day page. February 23 (national holiday) Japan also observes a unique reciprocal holiday on March 14th, known as White Day, where men return the favour to those who gifted them chocolates on Valentine’s Day. This was created by the confectionery industry in the late 1970s and has since become a firmly established part of our Valentine’s Day cycle. Each culture has their own way of celebrating Valentine’s Day and expressing love for one another, and Japan dedicates not one, but two days of the year to this love-ly holiday! Here’s everything you need to know about Valentine’s Day in Japan, and its companion holiday, White Day. Foundation Day celebrates the founding of Japan, marking the day when Japan’s very first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascended the throne in 660 BCE. Valentine’s Day (Celebration) – February 14 Though not a public holiday, Valentine’s Day is notable in Japan for its tradition of women giving men chocolates. Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide on February 14. Like many Western holidays, Valentine's Day was also brought to Japan during the second half of the twentieth century. But Japanese people twisted this tradition to add another custom. As a matter of fact, Valentine's Day in Japan takes place in two steps: 5. Valentine’s Day. When: annually on February 14. What to expect: Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated much the same as other countries. It does have one notable distinction: This is the day when women are expected to dole out the chocolate. Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, while White Day in Japan is celebrated a month later, on March 14th. White Day was not actually established until the 1980s , when the Japanese National Confectionery Industry Association successfully campaigned to implement a ‘reply day’ for men to reciprocate the presents they received Valentine’s Day in Japan has a unique history and customs that many foreigners find interesting. According to the Japan Chocolate & Cocoa Association, this custom started in the 1950s. A chocolate company put up a handwritten “Valentine’s Sale” sign at Isetan department store in Shinjuku. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. On White Day (March 15), men give chocolates to women It is not a public holiday, but instead an annual event. February 23 (Public holiday) Valentine's Day in Japan. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is an international holiday on which people celebrate love. How people celebrate however varies from country to country, and this is no different in Japan. Today, let’s take a look at the features of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Valentine's Day in Japan. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, is an international holiday on which people celebrate love. How people celebrate however varies from country to country, and this is no different in Japan. Today, let’s take a look at the features of Valentine’s Day in Japan. Trivia: Valentine's Day in other countries of the Far East The Valentine's Day and White Day exist, with customs similar to the Japanese one, even in South Korea, where the month following the White Day (April 14) they have also the Black Day, dedicated to all those who haven't received anything in the two previous occasions, which should all go eating jajangmyeon, a plate of Korean noodles In Japan, Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a sweet and savory curveball for the uninitiated, where chocolate is more than just a confectionery pass-time—it's a cultural pitch underhand. February 14th in Japan isn't just a day for love-struck couples to indulge in the exchange of heartfelt pleasantries and romantic gestures. It's more like a choco-centric game of tennis with its unique The US, Argentina, France, Japan, China, and many other countries all celebrate some form of the Valentine's Day holiday. Frequently Asked Questions Valentine's Day in 30 Countries Around the World - Odysseys Unlimited Valentine’s Day in Japan . Valentine’s Day in Japan is very different from Western Valentine’s Day. It was first introduced in Japan in 1936 by a chocolate company attempting to increase sales but did not kick-off till the 1950s when the same company made heart-shaped chocolates and advertised giving chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Korea generally has similar traditions to Japan’s Valentine’s Day, with one interesting addition: one month after White Day, on April 14, is Black Day. On this date, singles who haven’t received any favours in the previous two months get a celebration all to themselves. The holiday gained popularity in Japan around 1958, but it was in the late 1970s that Valentine’s Day became a part of Japanese society. The “Japanese-style Valentine’s Day” also emerged, where women express affection by giving chocolates to men. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. On White Day (March 15), men give chocolates to women It is not a public holiday, but instead an annual event. February 23 (Public holiday) Although not a traditional Japanese event, Valentine’s Day customs have become almost as acknowledged and revered as many of the other holidays in the calendar year. So what’s it all about and what makes it different in Japan? Delicious history. As is the case with holiday fervor, it started as a marketing initiative. One month later, on March 14, it’s the boys’ turn to give chocolates to their female friends and colleagues. Many other East Asian nations also observe this day, but 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.
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