This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

The Japanese culture is one of obligation and protocol. For example: Valentine’s Day. No undisciplined, bi-gender gift exchange here. Oh no. February 14th is sex specific: only women give gifts. And not just to their boyfriends but also to their male co-workers. Men have White Day a month later on March 14th. Created by a sweets manufacturer in 1980 to boost sales, White Day is more of a marketing ploy than a holiday. On White Day, you will see men scurrying about purchasing giri-choco, chocolate given out of obligation. Giri-choco might be acceptable for co-workers but not for girlfriends. So if you’re thinking of giving store-bought chocolate to your sweetheart, well, for giri bout it!

From the Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Wish you were here.