This Sunday, men and women across the world will celebrate the most romantic day of the year: Valentine’s Day. When I first arrived in Japan, I had assumed that February 14th would be celebrated in the same way as we do it in the UK, but I was surprised to find out that it’s all a bit different over here. So here are the top 3 differences between Valentine’s Day in the UK and Japan.
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- In the UK, gifts are for lovers
In Japan, gifts are often given to bosses, colleagues, friends and even English teachers (thank you!). In the UK, however, gifts are generally only given to lovers or people that you are romantically interested in.
- In the UK, gifts are for lovers
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- Chocolates vs. Flowers
Chocolates are king in Japan on Valentine’s Day. The chocolates here are not only delicious but often also incredibly beautiful. In the UK though, it’s very common to give flowers to your special someone, with the most romantic gift being a bunch of 12 red roses. Other typical gifts include jewellery and cute soft toys.
- Chocolates vs. Flowers
- Men vs. Women
Perhaps the biggest difference is the direction of the giving. In Japan, it’s the women who give gifts to the men. In the UK it’s a bit different. Singles, both men and women, can give gifts to their love interests. Those who are already in a relationship will also often give gifts to each other as a token of their affection.