Though it is common to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan, the Japanese traditions are not the same as the ones we know in the United States. While it’s generally more customary for an American man to buy gifts for the woman he wishes to woo, it is the Japanese women who will shop for chocolates to give to the men in her life. These come in three varieties: the obligatory chocolate, which is given to her work superiors and male co-workers, the friend chocolate, which is given to her female friends, and the special chocolate, which is given to the man she is either in a relationship with or whom she wishes to get the attention of. The men have the opportunity to repay the favor late on, on “White Day”.
If you’re looking for something to do on your own Valentine’s Day, come down to our Japanese restaurant in Lynnwood. There’s nothing like a real sushi dinner to make your night out special!