Chicago ¨C Valentine¡¯s Day celebrations in Japan are structurally different from other countries, but the basic concept is the same: Couples go out on dates, and those who are still unattached hint at their interest in each other with gifts and messages.
Japan splits the gift-giving into two separate days. On Feb. 14, women give men gifts, often chocolate, and men reciprocate a month later on March 14, known as White Day.
Of course, there is some strategy involved. It¡¯s still customary for women to give out ÁxÀí¥Á¥ç¥³ (giri choco, obligatory chocolate) to their male colleagues (although the tradition is increasingly becoming a thing of the past), and some may prepare a special gift for a coworker they have a crush on. If the crush responds with an equally special gift, or asks them out on a date, this opens the door to a romantic connection.
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