Commercialism at its best.
Do you like Valentine's Day?
Valentines day was originally a Christian feast honoring the historic martyr Saint Valentine starting 1500 years ago in Rome. In the last 100 years, we have somehow changed it into a chocolate holiday about love. Strange.
You might know that Valentine's Day is a bit different in America compared to Japan.
In America, Valentine's Day is usually celebrated by giving a cards, flowers, chocolate, dinner, or a gift. It is usually celebrated by couples. It is actually very similar to Japanese Christmas! Apparently there are 190 million Valentine's Day cards sent each year. It is a major source of economic activity.
Unlike Japan, chocolate is not the focus in America. Also, gifts are usually given from the man to the woman. And, there is no 'white day' in America.
Japan started Valentine's Day in 1936 by the chocolate company Morozoff. It has always been about selling chocolate. There are many types of chocolate in Japan: 'obligatory chocolate' (義理チョコ), 'super obligatory chocolate (チョー義理チョコ), 'true feeling chocolate(本命チョコ), 'friend chocolate (友チョコ). To me, as an American, it seem crazy!
Japanese chocolate companies make half of annual sales during Valentine's season. It is no wonder the tradition never dies!
I love chocolate, but I don't think people should feel obligated to buy and give chocolate just so some companies can make money. But, especially in Japan, perhaps it is a good chance for people talk to each other when they normally wouldn't.
I'm undecided. Truthfully, it doesn't really affect my life one way or the other. I guess I just don't really care.