Japanese Culture Society Update

This week at Japanese Culture Society, we played a game of “Guess the Japanese Brand” and the winners got a Japanese jelly as a prize! 

White Day in Japan is a significant cultural celebration that takes place on 14 March, exactly one month after Valentine’s Day. While Valentine’s Day in Japan primarily revolves around women giving gifts, particularly chocolates, to men, White Day flips the tradition, with men reciprocating the gesture.

Originating in the 1970s as a marketing strategy by the confectionery industry, White Day has since become deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. The name “White Day” was coined to symbolise purity and the exchange of white gifts, predominantly marshmallows, white chocolate, or other white confectionery. However, the tradition has expanded to include various gifts such as jewellery, clothing, and even electronic gadgets, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

The significance of White Day extends beyond romantic relationships; it also emphasises reciprocity and gratitude. Men who received gifts on Valentine’s Day are expected to return the favour with gifts of greater value on White Day. 

Thanks for coming this week and we hope to see you all here again next Friday at lunch in the open space on Level 3 of the Senior Centre!

– Amy Zhao
Year 12