St. Valentine's Day in Japan

Yesterday was St. Valentine's Day. I think Japanese St. Valentine's Day is unique in the world.

In Japan, a lot of women rush to stores buying chocolates on that day. The other day, I read an article and found out that the Valentine's season makes up 25% of the annual consumption in the chocolate market. Wow! Therefore we can see various chocolates everywhere downtown. I enjoy seeing a wide variety of chocolates and shops decorated for St. Valentine's day.

However, as I watch some foreign dramas, there is always a gift exchange between men and women, such as husband and wife, parent and child, boyfriend and girlfriend for thanking each other (I think so) on St Valentine's Day. I'm more and more interested in what people do on St. Valentine's Day in each country...

As in Japan, St Valentine's Day is an opportunity for women to confess their love or to acquit a social obligation to their bosses, colleagues and so on.

There is a complete difference between the Japanese and Western approach. I'd rather enjoy a Western St. Valentine's Day in Japan.