A Japanese Celebration – White Day!

White Day: A Celebration of Love and Appreciation

White Day is a holiday celebrated in Japan and other parts of East Asia on March 14th, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated a bit differently where women are the primary chocolate gifter to express their love or appreciation. And White Day is the day when men are expected to reciprocate the gesture to women.

The Origins of White Day

White Day originated in Japan in the late 1970s as a marketing campaign by the National Confectionery Industry Association. The campaign encouraged men to return the favor by giving gifts to women one month after Valentine’s Day. The idea was to create a “second Valentine’s Day” and to promote the sales of confectionery delights and other gifts.

The name “White Day” comes from the idea that the gifts should be white in color, symbolizing purity, honesty, and the beginning of a new relationship. White chocolate, cookies, flowers, and other small presents are popular gifts on White Day.

Celebrating White Day

White Day is seen as a way for men to express their appreciation for the women in their lives, whether it be their girlfriends, wives, mothers, or female coworkers. It is also a way for men to show their romantic interest in someone they may have received chocolates from on Valentine’s Day.

In Japan, the custom is for men to give gifts that are worth two to three times the value of the chocolates they received on Valentine’s Day. This is seen as a way to show their gratitude and to return the favor in a more significant way.

While White Day originated in Japan, it has spread to other parts of East Asia, like South Korea, Taiwan, and China, and continues to be celebrated today.

The Significance of White Day

White Day is more than gift-giving. It is a celebration of love and appreciation, a way to express gratitude and show affection to the important women in one’s life. It is also a reminder of the importance of reciprocity in relationships, and the idea that gestures of love and kindness should be returned in kind.

Additionally, in Japan, White Day is seen as a way to foster positive relationships between men and women in the workplace. It is customary for male coworkers to give small gifts to their female colleagues on White Day, as a way to show their appreciation and to maintain a positive and respectful work environment.

Types of Japanese Valentine’s Day Chocolate

On Valentine’s Day, there are a variety of types of chocolate to be gifted, each with its own meaning.

• Giri-choco – This customary gift is an expression of friendship, gratitude, or indebtedness and should be given to male friends, bosses, work colleagues, or family members.
• Honmei-choco – These chocolates are usually handmade and are given exclusively to a potential love interest or significant other, such as a boyfriend or husband.
• Jibun-choco – Chocolates one buys for themselves as an expression of self-love and compassion.
• Tomo-choco – Sweet treats that are given to close female friends.
• Gyaku-choco – Translates to ‘reverse chocolate’. Since men are the ones receiving chocolates on Valentine’s Day, it is the men’s turn to reciprocate on White Day by gifting these chocolates.

While we couldn’t find the exact chocolate gifts on Amazon, here are some alternatives:

1. Godiva Holiday Gift Box with Red Ribbon
2. Godiva Signature Truffles Assorted Chocolate Gift Box
3. Godiva Red Heart Valentine’s Gift Box
4. Pink Chocolate Sea Salt
5. Strawberries and Cream Truffles
6. Chocolate Strawberry KitKat

Final Thoughts

White Day is a holiday that celebrates love and appreciation, and the importance of reciprocity in relationships. We encourage you to express your love and gratitude for those in your life. 💗

Further Readings

If you’re interested in reading romance novels this year, check out our recommendations in this blog.