You’ve heard all about Valentine’s Day, but have you ever experienced the little-known sequel, Japanese White Day, on March 14th? One month after Valentine’s chocolates are given, it is the men’s turn to return the favor.
Japanese White Day is when men give back sweet marshmallows, white chocolate, jewelry, and other small tokens of appreciation to the women in their lives. It is about reciprocating affection and strengthening bonds, not a “month-late apology” for forgetting Valentine’s Day.
Here is everything you need to know to celebrate White Day in Japan and the essential Japanese phrases you should use.
What Is Japanese White Day?
Japanese White Day is a celebration that takes place on March 14th, when gentlemen give lovely gifts to the ladies in their lives. Specifically, to every gal who was nice enough to give them chocolates or other treats on February 14th. Consider it the “thank you and thinking of you” holiday!
Unlike in many cultures, gift-giving is a two-way street in Japan. The recipients like to return the favor, and the back-and-forth of treating each other strengthens relationships. Japanese White Day arose in the 1970s from the idea that girls should get some gifts too, after making Valentine’s chocolates!
What Was Marshmallow Day?
Marshmallow Day is a custom that originated in Fukuoka as a way for men to give gifts. The story is that there was once a small sweets shop owner in Fukuoka who came up with “Marshmallow Day” on March 14th for gents to give back sweets.
Marshmallows suited the concept well, white-colored like purity to match young love, plus fluffy, sweet surprises. The name later evolved into the more flexible “White Day” while keeping those round white marshmallow vibes.
What Is Sanbai Gaeshi?
Sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し) means “triple return.” It’s a custom that kicks White Day up a notch by having guys give back a gift worth triple what they received on V-Day!
This concept emerged sometime after White Day caught on in the late 1980s. It highlights the aspect of reciprocity inherent in Japanese culture called okaeshi (お返し).
There are a few theories about why sanbai gaeshi developed as part of celebrations for Japanese White Day. Perhaps gentlemen wanted to express deep appreciation for the women who treated them to Valentine’s chocolate each year. Or the prosperous economy in the bubbly 1980s simply allowed guys with fatter wallets to splurge.
How To Celebrate Japanese White Day
Give gifts that show thoughtfulness. Traditionally, men gave white-colored treats such as marshmallows, white chocolate, white cake, and white accessories like jewelry, handkerchiefs, or hair decorations. Today, any thoughtful gift works.
Fun options include:
- Homemade chocolate
- Cute cookies or macarons in his & hers designs
- Japanese wagashi
- Aromatherapy candles
- Luxe bath salts or lotions
- Sentimental jewelry
- Handwritten card or crafted gift for a personal touch
- Experiences such as event tickets, meals out, or trips together
- Anything miniature, sweet, scented, sparkly, or heart-warming
What Japanese Phrases Should You Use On White Day?
So you’ve got your White Day gift ready to exchange hands, but what should you say when presenting it to Japanese women? Here are some easy Japanese phrases to accompany that token of appreciation and surprise your romantic interest!
| English | Japanese | Romaji | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thank you very much | 本当にありがとうございます | Hontou ni arigatou gozaimasu | |
| Please take this | これをどうぞ | Kore wo dozo | |
| Please enjoy this | 楽しんでください | Tanoshinde kudasai | |
| Happy White Day | ホワイトデーおめでとう | Howaito Dē omedetou | |
| Be happy with this white chocolate | 白いチョコで幸せになれ | Shiroi choko de shiawase ni nare | |
| Because I’m expecting something in return | お返し期待しているから | Okaeshi kitai shiteiru kara | |
| I’m crazy about you | あなたに夢中です | Anata ni muchuu desu | |
| Thank you for everything | 色々ありがとうございます | Iroiro arigatou gozaimasu |
How Do You Say ‘White Day’ In Japanese?
You say ‘White Day’ in Japanese as Howaito Dē (ホワイトデー).
Tips For Gift-Giving On Japanese White Day
Here are some practical tips for giving gifts on Japanese White Day:
- Personalize your gift: handwritten notes or DIY items make a strong impression.
- Pair small gifts with experiences for lasting memories.
- Keep Japanese cultural etiquette in mind: white items are traditional, but thoughtful gestures are more important than strict color rules.
- For coworkers or casual friends, stick to sweets, cookies, or small tokens rather than luxury items.
FAQs About Japanese White Day
What Is The Meaning Of White Day In Japan?
White Day is a day for men to show appreciation to the women who gave them gifts on Valentine’s Day.
What’s The Difference Between Valentine’s Day And White Day?
On Valentine’s Day in Japan, women give chocolates or small gifts to men. White Day, celebrated one month later, is when men return the gesture with gifts like sweets, jewelry, or other thoughtful items. It is focused on reciprocation rather than initiating romance.
Do You Have To Give A Gift If You Received One On Valentine’s Day?
Yes, reciprocating is customary. White Day exists to acknowledge the original Valentine’s gift and show gratitude.
Final Thoughts On Japanese White Day
Japanese White Day is a meaningful way to reciprocate Valentine’s Day gifts and strengthen relationships with friends, coworkers, and romantic partners. Men traditionally give sweets like marshmallows or white chocolate, but thoughtful gifts such as jewelry or experiences are also popular.
For example, you might give white chocolate – Shiroi choko (白いチョコ) to a friend or aromatherapy candles – Arome kyandoru (アロマキャンドル) to a coworker, showing gratitude in a culturally appropriate way. Using phrases like ‘thank you in Japanese‘ – Arigatou gozaimasu (ありがとうございます) when presenting gifts helps you convey gratitude, sincerity, and respect.
When celebrating White Day, small personal touches can make a big difference. Following simple tips, such as adding a handwritten note or choosing a gift that reflects the recipient’s interests, ensures your gesture is memorable.
For instance, including a handwritten card with sweets or pairing a small gift with a shared experience can elevate the thoughtfulness of your present.
Ready To Give Your Obligation Chocolate?
And that’s the full lowdown on Japanese White Day, the unofficial reverse Valentine’s Day, giving guys everywhere a second chance at spreading the sweetness after Valentine’s Day.
Maybe now you’re craving rich white chocolate and dreaming up sentimental surprises for your own special someone’s White Day. At the very least, I hope you’ve discovered the meaning behind this humble yet heartfelt occasion.
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