50% of Japanese men like Valentine's day. Why? It's all in the marketing. It seems that manufacturers knew that Japanese men would never go for "buying chocolate" for women "just because"....Valentine's Day was destined not to succeed. THEN....the marketing changed.
On Valentine's Day in Japan, the WOMEN buy chocolate for their husbands and loves. On the average they spend Y3000 for chocolate on Valentine's Day. They also buy "giri-choco" - obligation chocolate. According to Yahoo!Japan the average female spends Y760 on giri choco. She is expected to buy chocolate for the men at work etc.
HOWEVER - in 1978 a clever businessman introduced White Day in Japan. White Day, celebrated on 14 March, is spreading to other Asian countries (South Korea and Taiwan). On White Day, the MEN buy WHITE chocolate and WHITE marshmallows for the women who bought them chocolate on Valentine's Day.
Clever isn't it? Culture being what it is, a man may not think to go buy sweets for a lady, but he is SURE to obligated to give her a gift if she gives him one. Info for this comes from Kim (has lived here since 1995), Misawa Spouse Connection newsletter and Akiko (Japanese Citizen).
February's giveaway is going to center on Valentine's Day. Please share your best tips for celebrating Valentine's Day. One of my daughters calls Valentine's Day "National Single Awareness Day".....but really even singles can share in this giveaway. Leave a comment about how you celebrate or your favorite Valentine's day or tips for celebrating - with adults or kids - to be entered. YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT THAT RELATES in some way to the theme of the giveaway.
Below are the items I've picked up so far. I'm still looking for a few more items.
From 2010-02-10 |
If you are selected as a winner, you will have one week to send me your home address. I will not store your address in any form. I cannot even find my personal address book since our move. ::snort::
You do not have to be a blogger to enter. Leave your thoughts in the comment section to earn an entry. I reserve the right to discontinue Giveaway or change the rules at any time.
Have fun!
Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...