Valentine’s Day in Japan is different from here in America. In Japan it is only women who give gifts to men. This is because women are considered to be shy when it comes to showing love, so Valentine’s Day is their chance to express their love to their significant other. They typically give men chocolates.

Men are supposed to return gifts to women on a day called “White Day” on March 14, this holiday is a Japanese creation. There are two types of chocolates given to men; “giri-choko” (obligation chocolate) is the chocolate given to men such as bosses colleagues or just friends that you have no love interest in. While a “true love” chocolate is called “honmei choko”.

Unlike America, Valentine’s cards are not common in Japan. If cards are given, they don’t have Happy Valentine’s Day written on them. Like in America, the color of love is red in Japan. Heart shapes are usually in red and red roses are also considered romantic gifts. All in all, this is how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan.