If you’re a fan of all things Japan, then you probably know about Japanese Valentine’s Day and its complicated system of chocolate-giving. But did you know that Japan actually has a reverse Valentine's Day? It’s called White Day, a special day where men are the ones who are supposed to give chocolates back to the women who love them.
Let's Jump Right In!
- What is the Difference between Valentine's Day and White Day?
- What Happens on White Day in Japan?
- Why is White Day in Japan Called White Day?
- What Do You Give on White Day?
This holiday is all about Japan’s need to have reciprocity and balance, turning an exchange of sweets into a ritual of appreciation. Though it’s not as popular as the good old-fashioned Valentine’s, White Day is filled with a lot of love and thoughtfulness! Get yourself ready for some toothy sweetness, because today we’re going to learn all about White Day in Japan.
What is the Difference between Valentine's Day and White Day?
One of the biggest differences between regular Valentine's Day and White Day is the date that they’re celebrated. While Valentine's Day always falls on February 14, White Day comes a month later on March 14. Let’s go ahead and call it a super extension of love month!
What Happens on White Day in Japan?
To understand White Day in Japan, you have to understand Japanese Valentines (which you can read about in our blog What is Valentine’s Day in Japan Like). You see, in the land of the rising sun, Valentine's is a holiday meant for the ladies. During Hearts Day, women give out chocolate to the male family members, friends, coworkers, and special loves!
There are many different types of chocolate given during Valentine's Day. That includes giri-choco (obligation chocolates), which women give to friends and coworkers, and honmei-choco (love chocolate), which they give to their lovers. On White Day, men return the favor by giving white chocolate, marshmallows, and other gifts to the women who gave them these chocolatey treats!
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Why is White Day in Japan Called White Day?
That’s because White Day was originally Marshmallow Day! Valentine's Day wasn’t popular in Japan until the 1970s, and the holiday was centered around girls giving gifts. Seeing how there was an untapped market, the Fukuoka confectionery company Ishimuramanseido decided to create a special holiday to sell marshmallows to men.
They called it Marshmallow Day, a special holiday on March 14, where men could reciprocate the feelings of women by giving back the value of the chocolate given to them. Eventually, other companies began marketing white chocolate in place of marshmallows, and the holiday morphed into White Day!
What Do You Give on White Day?
Well, Japanese men give white chocolate, flowers, and other special gifts to their lovely ladies during White Day. What matters the most, though, is that they follow the rule of sanbai gaeshi or "triple the return.” That means that guys have to give triple the amount or value of the chocolates that they got during Valentine's!
If a Japanese man got shop-bought chocolates, then they upgrade them to the fancy kinds you can find in boutiques. They also gift their lady friend with jewelry or take her out on a special date! What matters is the intention and the love that they put into the gifts they give during White Day.
There you have it! That’s everything to know about White Day in Japan, the reverse Japanese Valentine's Day. Have you ever celebrated White Day before? What kind of gifts would you like to give or receive during White Day? Don’t be shy and let us know in the comments section below. We love talking about everything in Japan!
