Valentine's Day In Japan

I think that Japanese Valentine's Day is very interesting. There are a lot more formalities than in American Valentine's Day and it looks very exciting. On the contrary, most people here see Valentine's Day as just another holiday (me included) and don't really get excited about it. I think it would be nice to experience the Japanese holiday (even if all I got were obligatory chocolates).

Japanese Valentine's Day is a creation of corporate money-making schemes, but that does not mean that it cannot be fun. Also, most of America's holidays have also become means for corporate profits. We buy presents for Christmas, candy and costumes for Halloween, and those little Paas egg coloring kits for Easter. Even though these holidays are ways for corporations to push people to buy things, they are still fun traditions. But, not everyone just goes through the motions and unconsciously buys these things. Some people take these holidays seriously and put a lot of thought and time into them. I think it is probably the same way in Japan.

If I were a U.S. international student in Japan, I would participate like everyone else there. Part of the enjoyment of going to another country is to immerse yourself in their culture. So, if I received some "heartfelt" chocolates, I would return the favor on White Day. And, if i received some obligatory chocolates, I would send out an obligatory thank you-card.