Why Valentine’s Day is Declining in Popularity in Japan
Hello everyone, and Happy Valentine's Day. In my Last Post it was mentioned that Valentine's is declining in popularity here in japan, lets find out some of the reasons why.
This is the Second Part, on my Two Part Post about Valentines in Japan.
Reason 1: Cost and More Cost
On Valentine's Women give out chocolate, and other gifts to their friends, lovers, co-workers, etc. Some people make those gifts, but most just buy them from the store.
Some prefer to buy Special Valentines chocolates, rather than ones like Kitkats, Snickers, or Hersheys. Those special chocolates can cost between $10 and $100, remember Your not buying just for one person, your buying for your friends, co-workers, and family members.
Now about White Day, Your return gifts are expected to be 2 to 3 times more expensive than the ones you got. This can get expensive very quickly, especially if you recieved a lot of special chocolates, and other gifts last valentines.
Some women choose to buy cheaper chocolates intentionally, as they feel bad that men are obligated to spend 2 to 3 timre more. White Day chocolates can cost between $15 and some all the way up to $300.
Chocolates are the most common gifts, but Handbags, Perfumes, Flowers, Giftcards, etc are given out as well.
Reason 2: Wasted Food & Packaging
Most japanese dislike a lot of sweet things, and some don't even like chocolate, so when they get some, they just throw it away. This in turn increases food waste, and while they can give those chocolates to someone else, most choose not to as it is seen as bad practice.
Also if you know japanese products, they care a lot about the presentation and packaging, because of this a lot of plastic, paper, and other things are used.
Individualy wrapped chocolates, biscuits, etc are very common here, because it makes it easier to hand them out, but this then produces a lot of waste in packaging. While Japan does have one of the best recycling processes, recycling itself is not enough to reduce this waste. The amount of non biodegradable plastics, etc, must be reduced.
Reason 3: "Forced Giving"
Being forced to buy these gift to hand out is causing stress and anxiety to alot of people, and becuse of this a lot are buying chocolates for themselves or their familes instead.The practice of "forced giving" is due to Japan's Gift-Giving Culture. Giving gifts to your friends, co-workers, etc, to keep a pleasant and harmonious relationship with them has been done for centuries.
If you take a vacation, you have to bring gifts back. If there is a special occasion, you have to give a gift. An Omiyage (Souvenir) gift is not required, but it is almost always expected.
In a work setting for example, giving out these gifts shows gartitude for your colleagues, and to thank them for working with you. Not giving a gift at all can show that you don't care or appreciate them, so to avoid that you are forced to buy and give out gifts.
A few facts about Valentines in Japan
- A recent survey found that over 60% of women will buy chocolates for themselves instead as a personal treat.
- Gift to co-workers is becoming less popular, instead gifts are being given to friends, family members, and romantic partners.
- Christmas is celebrated like how Valentines is celebrated in other countries.
- The use of Love Locks are very common for young couples to lock & seal their love for eachother usually on shrines, or on the rooftop of tall buildings.
- There are many superstitions about valentine's, but one of them is that if couples are to visit Tokyo DisneySea, or Other theme parks on Valentine's, then they are likely to break up soon.
Conclusion
Valentines is declining in popularity now more than ever, and these are just a few of the reasons why. Valentines in Japan has become so stressful, so its not a surprise that people are ditching on celebrating the holiday.Happy Valentines Day, and Thank you for reading.
Recent Comments
23
Very different from when I was young(!).
We had a surprise anonymous card - usually guessed at being from a younger sister's friend.
No expensive flowers, chocolates, meals, or date nights involved.
I fear the experience then has turned into massive expectation and the inevitable disappointment when not complied with.
In the UK, it seemed to have blossomed from yet another US-originated money earner - a bit like the now massively commercialised pumpkin-fest on Halloween.
Absolutely tragic, the way these meaningless occasions have developed (?) into what they are today.
Only my opinion of course.
Terry
Very interesting, Thank you for sharing.
It’s sad that more of these holidays and events are being commercialized. I do wish we could back to the simpler days where these holidays we’re all about having fun, relaxing, and spending time with family, but that has changed now.
These holidays have cause so much stress and anxiety, and holidays the decline in popularity is justified, and people are getting tired of following these traditions.
Thank you for reading.
Sounds like the declining popularity is earned. I would dread it!
There are many traditions that are important to the ones making money from that event.
The simpler the better. There are fewer expectations and less disappointment.
Thanks for the rest of the story,
Sami
How sad when we loose the reason for the season!
Is there some ❤️ Left?
Relationship is the essence of humanity
Without, we become robots or objects
Wishing you a blessed day
It is sad Fleeky, but thats just how it is here.
Very true, Thank you and Happy Valentine’s. 😁
Yes, as you describe it, valentine is not so nice to celebrate
It becomes an obligation without meaning indeed... yuk
😝
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I can now see why it is declining in popularity. That sounds like a lot of societal pressure and expense. Thanks for sharing what it's like in Japan :-)
Susan
Its Very stressful, no wonder the tradition is fading away.
Thank you.