Gift Giving Holidays (outside USA)
Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan
Valentine’s Day was introduced in Japan in 1936 by a Kobe, Japan based chocolate company, but was not widely celebrated until the 1970’s. In Japan, however, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men, and it is usually to men that they have no romantic attachments to. The majority are given to... »
Christmas in Japan
Christmas was not widely observed until after the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, and its inspiration was from how Christmas is depicted in movies from the United States. Since Japan is not a Christian-based society, Christmas does not have any religious connotations, but rather is strongly associated with romance and young lovers. It is considered... »
Mother’s and Father’s Day in Japan
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day were imported from the United States and took hold in the 1970’s. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and is more prominent than Father’s Day. Mother’s usually receive red carnations, while white carnations are offered at Buddhist altars on behalf of mothers that have past... »
Imported Holidays and Gift Exchange in Japan
The types of holidays observed in Japan are derived from Buddhist traditions that were introduced by the Chinese, and the influence of Western European and Untied States holidays. Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day are examples of holidays that have been imported from the West. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have similar meanings... »
Boxing Day
Decidedly British in its origin, Boxing Day falls on December 26th, the day after Christmas and remains a national holiday in many countries. In Ireland, it is known as St. Stephen’s Day. The celebration stems from the practice of feudal lords giving their servants small tokens of appreciation, although there are a few other... »