I’ve been living in Japan for a few years now, and since Valentines Day has come our way once again, I believe it is fitting to discuss a little bit on how it is celebrated in Japan.

Valentines Day in Japan is celebrated by the women giving gifts (chocolates, usually) to the men in their life.

If you’re a guy, and have just received a box of premium Valentine’s Day chocolates from that cutie in your office, don’t automatically assume that she’s yours for the taking. Diverging from, or should I say extending on, the traditional western perception of Valentine’s day as a day to celebrate romantic love, women in Japan also give chocolates to bosses, co-workers, and close friends, aside from their actual romantic interests (read the Wikipedia article about this). You can however, be thankful that she considers you significant enough not to ignore.