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 was surprised that in Japan, only girls give the gives, but I love the idea of obligatory vs. heartfelt chocolate. What if you were holding out for heartfelt chocolates from a girl, and wound up with obligatory? Ouch. The idea of a second holiday for men to reciprocate gifts was also very interesting. But what happens if the other person does not actually like chocolate? =o
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 think that's definitely a cross-cultural observation. America has its fair share of holidays that seem genuine, but can also be viewed as being purely based on selling merchandise--Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, and even Christmas, if you're feeling cynical. There's definitely a commercial aspect to any gift-giving holiday, especially if the holiday involves giving chocolate and you just happen to produce chocolate and advertise the holiday. And maybe these holidays are nothing more than a way to boost chocolate sales for a weekend, but they're at least an excuse to do something nice for someone, so maybe that makes it okay.
If you were in Japan as a US international student, how would you like to participate in the Japanese Valentine’s Day?
I would hope to get at least some obligatory chocolates! I'd even return the favor on White Day.
I definitely agree with you on your second answer. I also believe that it's a cross-cultural observation and that it really doesn't matter if you buy into the whole merchandise; as long as you don't care, it shouldn't matter.
ReplyDeletei agree with you that american holidays are very commericized and are no different then japanese ones. i think that most major holidays are like that most places.
ReplyDeleteI think it's also true that if you're against a gift-giving holiday because you find it commercial, you don't have to celebrate. And Japanese V-Day is a shame for guys who don't like chocolate... maybe if a girl knows a guy who doesn't like chocolate, she can give him something else?
ReplyDeleteDo you want to have many obligatory chocolates or several heartfelt chocolates?
ReplyDelete