I asked Ayako about how kids and adults celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan. Here’s what she wrote:
Hi Lisa,
In Japan, we give chocolate to the people we like, boyfriend, husband, father … and recently kids give chocolate to their friends, especially girls to girls. My friend says that her daughter makes chocolate sweets by herself for the girlfriends in her class, over 30 of them!
I bought “ROYCE” chocolate for my husband. It’s the best quality in Hokkaido, Japan. I chose “Champagne” flavor this year. I love how sweet it is…
I bought Lindt chocolate for my father (though he passed away).
There is a family Buddhist alter used for paying respect to family ancestors at my mom’s house. It is called “butsudan , 仏壇” in Japanese. It’s common for Buddhist people in Japan.
So I went to my mom’s house this weekend and prayed for him there. It was his anniversary (memorial) day… and I offered my chocolate on the “butsudan”. (After offering, we eat it.) I miss him even now…
Have a nice weekend, talk to you soon!
Ayako
Thanks for sharing that with us Ayako. It’s nice that you have a way to honor your loved ones who have passed away in your homes. We generally visit the grave, which is often far away.
xo Mama Lisa
This article was posted on Saturday, February 12th, 2011 at 12:45 pm and is filed under Countries & Cultures, Holidays Around the World, Japan, Mama Lisa, St. Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
One Response to “Valentine’s Day in Japan”
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February 14th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Ayako,
It is a beautiful harmony of Valentine spirit and traditional Budhist way.
Love,
Lin.