I really like the idea of Valentine's Day in Japan, especially since it is balanced by White Day in the following month. It also seems like Valentine's Day in Japan is more about celebrating love than it is in the United States. In the United States is seems like you give a gift to those that you care about, like friends and family.
I don't think that the Japanese are being manipulated. It is interesting though, because this argument could be made against any country's holiday, in which gift giving is a focus. I think that it is great to have a day were people celebrate their love of people and life.
As a male, I would most likely participate in White Day, and get gifts for those whom I care about. I feel like I would still feel compelled to give some very close people a gift on Valentine's Day to celebrate my own cultural heritage.
I hadn't thought about that, but I think you're right. Valentine's Day in Japan is more about love as a whole, not like here, just for friends and family. Makes me wonder if because it's a small country, that's why it became that way. It also makes me wonder if America was like that sometime in the past.
ReplyDeleteI kind of disagree. I think Valentine's Day anywhere is based heavily on getting people to empty their wallets. But, Japan does seem to be a lot more into the romantic aspect than America, what with a lot of people actually making their own chocolates and candies to give away, rather than buying mass quantities for everyone. It's pretty nice. :3
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