Exploring Cross-Cultural Issues

What do you think about Japanese Valentine’s Day (e.g., ギリチョコ、ほんめいチョコ、ともチョコ、White Day)?

I think it's a cool tradition to give chocolates on Valentine's Day. I especially like that girls give chocolate on Valentine's day and then guys give back on White day. This prevents the awkward situation of one person buying a gift and the other not that so often happens in the U.S. My only concern is that girls might get off easier by always giving chocolate when guys have to give something more.

Some people point out that the Japanese exchange gifts on so many occasions not because they wish to express gratitude or friendliness to others but simply because they are being unconsciously manipulated by the propaganda put out by those in the gift business, who actually create reasons for giving such gifts, such as major department store (e.g., Valentine’s Day and White Day). What do you think about this observation?

I like the custom of giving lots of gifts. Why shouldn't we give each other gifts and make each other's days ones in a while?

I think this custom occurs more as a result of the relatively even economic status of people in Japan than due to a conspiracy. Everyone understands that people have enough income to afford gifts in Japan where in places like the U.S. the large gap between poor and rich people makes it unclear who can afford gifts. People of higher economic status may not want to give gifts because they don't want someone poor to feel obligated to spend that income they might need. Likewise, poorer people may really want to buy gifts, but just not have enough funds to do it.

If you were in Japan as a US international student, how would you like to participate in the Japanese Valentine’s Day?

If I was an international student in Japan I'd try to be as nice as possible to all the girls so I could get obscene amounts of chocolate on Valentine's Day. I might regret this on White Day when I have to return the favors so I think I would book a trip out of town for a few days.