My Funny Valentine

Japan has a way of being enthusiastic about American holidays but making them their own traditions. St. Valentine's Day, held annually on the 14th of February, is the perfect example.

In the U.S., it has mixed meanings. There are those who feel that it is the most romantic day of the year, where one can snuggle with their sweetheart and exchange gifts (diamonds anyone? Forget chocolate and roses), hold candlelight dinners and spend the evening in various states of undress. For others, it is seen as the Hallmark™ Company's holiday bent on world domination and making everyone feel pressured to buy a card, write a soppy greeting, and acknowledge the people around us. For children, it can be seen as a popularity contest and/or a way to show friendship and affection for those around them. Candy is a bonus.

In Japan, there are two such days. First is on the 14th of February, known as St. Valentine's Day, where females either prepare or purchase chocolate to give to the male of their choice. This is a popular day for girls to confess their love to the boy they like. Teenage boys sometimes anticipate and even compete over who will get the most chocolate. Women may also give out chocolate to friends, co-workers, or supervisors as an expression of gratitude. In stores, booths are set up especially for this event, with flocks of females scouring chocolates from various confectioneries and hotels and making purchases that can exceed $100.

The second day is held on the 14th of March, named White Day. It is when boys reciprocate the gifts they received on Valentine's Day. Again, booths are set up for the cause, but this time bath products are also a popular selling item.

For the holiday, I decided to give all the students (and teachers!) at one of my junior high schools traditional American valentine cards used by primary school children. I secured a list of every student in the school, as well as a list of teachers, and wrote out their names onto over 200 valentine cards, attached over 1000 stickers and temporary tattoos, and finished with a signature. I WANTED TO KILL MYSELF.

Seriously, who's bright idea was it to give myself carpel tunnel in order to show students that Americans are hip when I'm so exhausted from staying up all night and a nice poster could have done the trick?

Oh yeah, <-- this guy.

I also bought chocolate for my principle, vice-principle, and head teacher, some of my closer male friends and even baked a chocolate heart fudge brownie cake for my supervisor and boy friend. Below is a snapshot of my homemade chocolate:

The exciting thing was I received chocolate from some of my teachers (which I gave away) and a box of strawberry sweets from Juliana. Delicious. I also received some letters (oooOOOOooo) from male and female persons and was delighted to read that one of my 7th grade students gave a chocolate to a boy and he accepted her feelings! Perhaps they'll date but the real jewel is she felt it important enough to write her English teacher a note and ask whether I will do the same because it's love love!

For White Day, I purchased some chocolate to give back to my teachers and received white-chocolate covered strawberries from David, my RA. I also received homemade chocolate from a Japanese high school boy and girl who I meet once a week for English conversation. Very fun.