So I’ve been wondering about the gift-giving tradition on Valentine’s; I understand that typically, it is women who are giving men chocolates on this day, and it would be vice versa on White Day. But I’m curious to know if it’s allowed for men to gift chocolate on Valentine’s Day to other men. I know that women will buy chocolate for other women from what I’ve read, but I haven’t seen anything that states the same for men. Does it happen at all, even between friends? Or is it forbidden?
2 comments
it can be an extension of girichoco (obligation chocolate) but generally uncommon since white day is male giving equivalent. I wouldn’t say forbidden, especially if you’re not Japanese – male coworkers or friends would probably just laugh & thank you for the chocolates, or try to explain Valentine’s vs. White day to you.
Nothing is “forbidden”. These holidays and traditions are just made up and particularly with this one, is a relatively recent import. I’ve never heard of or seen a man giving chocolate to another man here unless there were romantic feelings. If you don’t have romantic feelings, it may seem awkward but since you’re a gaijin, you get a pass. Go for it.