I think Japanese Valentine's Day is aimed at women as much as it is aimed at men in the United States. I think this, as in Japan, women are expected to give chocolates to men and in the United States, men are expected to give chocolates, among other things, to women. I also think that it's unnecessary to give chocolates to others because it's obligatory and should be because you truly want to give it.
Since I work at a department store, I see completely how people are manipulated to engage in giving things to others on major holidays, such as Valentine's Day. It's also seen in commercials, especially for jewelry as they always talk about how getting someone jewelry creates happiness. I also hear customers who come into the store who complain about having to find a present for their significant other or someone else because it is a holiday. It also costs a lot of money and I find that many times the best present someone can get on a holiday is your company or something homemade.
If I was a US International Student in Japan, I would participate in Valentine's Day. I would definitely give chocolate to all my friends and colleagues. Also, I would think it would be fun to be able to give chocolate to a guy that you have a crush on without being too embarrassed as many others would be doing the same. I think participating in Japanese Valentine's Day would be a lot of fun and would be excited for White Day.
1 件のコメント:
I agree Chelsey about the pressure material things can put on others if they have many they care about, but at the same time, besides the commerce, its nice to surprise people or get them something they might not expect. I will get to see White Day in Japan this year and will try to contribute as I know some girls there who were friends from before and I hope its a good surprise. I can't say I know hardly anything about Japanese holiday culture near the spring, but I know my home stay families enjoyed little gifts many times a year instead of just heavy expensive gifts perhaps with what we would do during Christmas or the craziness before that. I wonder if you can give anime for gifts if you know they like it for White day, but I am sure flowers would be a more appreciated gesture..
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