I went through my home University (in Oregon). They host a lot of different study abroad programs and one happened to be with Waseda. I just had to meet the GPA requirements and apply. If you're in College right now, I would say go to your schools study abroad offices sometime and see what programs they offer.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Final Thoughts
This is the last post because my supposed year in Japan ended at the 7 month mark. Although, if you guys would like to ask me any questions about Japan or the earthquake or my experiences with study abroad, I will still happily reply.
So the earthquake happened...
Originally, I was planning to go home for around only 2 weeks (in order to assuage my parents' fears and beat out some intense cabin fever that was sure to come for the rest of spring break) however...a few days ago at 5 am I was awaken by a phone call from my friend, Jamie. She told me that the email we were all fearing, finally came.
The Oregon Program in Japan was officially canceled. Our visas were to be revoked, and we were to get out of the country as fast as possible. Needless to say, we were all in complete shock. I still am as I write this now. To think that I just won't be returning to Japan in 2 weeks and I won't know when I'll be able to go back is just unfathomable. My life here was snatched away with one email.
The blog post I was writing right before the earthquake hit, was a sort of self-reflection on the 3 week South East Asia trip I just went on. This is what I wrote a week ago:
"It's funny...I didn't realize how much I missed Japan till I got back here. My trip kind of reignited my love for Japan in a way---not suggesting I didn't have an AMAZING time in South East Asia...because I totally did (and I have the bajillion photos to prove it).
But it's definitely good to get away from 'everyday life routine' and have adventures and explore new things while giving yourself the chance to miss certain parts of your life. You learn all sorts of things about yourself and it reinforces what is really important, in turn, making you cherish the time spent with those missed things (and especially people) even more. Now I am excited to get back into the swing of things and finish out these last 4 months here in Japan with renewed enthusiasm."
Right after I had wrote that- the earthquake hit.
I was not scared being in Tokyo. I was calm through this whole thing and a bit surprised about how much people were worrying about me. ( I guess when you're hit by one of the largest earthquakes in history, a tsunami, exposure to radiation, and volcanic eruptions..your family and friends WILL worry ha). But really, besides some scheduled blackouts and people buying out all the toilet paper and water from the stores, Tokyo was fine when I left.
I can understand leaving and why it had to happen... But it was just so hard. -I had no time to give a proper goodbye to my host family and friends (I barely had time to pack my stuff). I didn't even have time to eat one last bowl of ramen!
I don't want to complain, because I am so lucky that I was safe through all this- and right now so many people are suffering.
But to have to leave so suddenly is really heartbreaking.
See, I have an awesome friend named Kanako....who surprised me by inviting 8 of my closest Japanese friends to the bus station as I was en route to the airport. I was able to say goodbye to them and take last pictures and exchange last gifts. We were a teary mess basically.
I was so touched by the number of people who quickly showed up just for me (with only having a few hours notice that I was leaving for good). Again, I will say I am so lucky to have been able to have this experience. I am sad to see it end. I've made a lot of friends and learned so much about myself and about Japan. I know I'll return someday, but I know It'll never be quite the same experience.
My family and all my friends across the globe have been super supportive. To everyone who's sent me messages of love and encouragement: I just want to say 'Thank You' so much. I am a big grumpy bear right now, and they help a lot.
If you have money to spare, please think about donating some. <3
So the earthquake happened...
Originally, I was planning to go home for around only 2 weeks (in order to assuage my parents' fears and beat out some intense cabin fever that was sure to come for the rest of spring break) however...a few days ago at 5 am I was awaken by a phone call from my friend, Jamie. She told me that the email we were all fearing, finally came.
The Oregon Program in Japan was officially canceled. Our visas were to be revoked, and we were to get out of the country as fast as possible. Needless to say, we were all in complete shock. I still am as I write this now. To think that I just won't be returning to Japan in 2 weeks and I won't know when I'll be able to go back is just unfathomable. My life here was snatched away with one email.
The blog post I was writing right before the earthquake hit, was a sort of self-reflection on the 3 week South East Asia trip I just went on. This is what I wrote a week ago:
"It's funny...I didn't realize how much I missed Japan till I got back here. My trip kind of reignited my love for Japan in a way---not suggesting I didn't have an AMAZING time in South East Asia...because I totally did (and I have the bajillion photos to prove it).
But it's definitely good to get away from 'everyday life routine' and have adventures and explore new things while giving yourself the chance to miss certain parts of your life. You learn all sorts of things about yourself and it reinforces what is really important, in turn, making you cherish the time spent with those missed things (and especially people) even more. Now I am excited to get back into the swing of things and finish out these last 4 months here in Japan with renewed enthusiasm."
Right after I had wrote that- the earthquake hit.
I was not scared being in Tokyo. I was calm through this whole thing and a bit surprised about how much people were worrying about me. ( I guess when you're hit by one of the largest earthquakes in history, a tsunami, exposure to radiation, and volcanic eruptions..your family and friends WILL worry ha). But really, besides some scheduled blackouts and people buying out all the toilet paper and water from the stores, Tokyo was fine when I left.
I can understand leaving and why it had to happen... But it was just so hard. -I had no time to give a proper goodbye to my host family and friends (I barely had time to pack my stuff). I didn't even have time to eat one last bowl of ramen!
I don't want to complain, because I am so lucky that I was safe through all this- and right now so many people are suffering.
But to have to leave so suddenly is really heartbreaking.
See, I have an awesome friend named Kanako....who surprised me by inviting 8 of my closest Japanese friends to the bus station as I was en route to the airport. I was able to say goodbye to them and take last pictures and exchange last gifts. We were a teary mess basically.
I was so touched by the number of people who quickly showed up just for me (with only having a few hours notice that I was leaving for good). Again, I will say I am so lucky to have been able to have this experience. I am sad to see it end. I've made a lot of friends and learned so much about myself and about Japan. I know I'll return someday, but I know It'll never be quite the same experience.
My family and all my friends across the globe have been super supportive. To everyone who's sent me messages of love and encouragement: I just want to say 'Thank You' so much. I am a big grumpy bear right now, and they help a lot.
If you have money to spare, please think about donating some. <3
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Earthquake Geography
Hay guys. This is an update and a post for those of you unsure about the geography of Japan. A lot of names are being thrown around: "fukushima" "sendai" etc, so I thought I would let you know where all this stuff is in relation to where I am (Tokyo).
I took this from my friend Lucy's blog:
Here's one more image of where exactly earthquakes hit.
So as you can see, Tokyo was really lucky. It's the Sendai area which got hit the hardest.
The reason why I highlight Fukushima is because that's where the nuclear reactor is (aka my mom's biggest worry). People have been evacuated from that area, though Tokyo is fine right now because it's about 160 miles away. They are working on getting it under control. As long as nothing goes wrong with that, my trip here should continue on normally.
People are preparing for the possibility of a second big earthquake but my host mom assured me we have water and food stored away in case anything drastic happens. I think, or rather hope, the worst is over. I'm still doing fine and I'm finally in contact with all my friends here-my phone is working again and the trains are starting to run, but most people are staying home since there are still a lot of aftershocks coming.
I think that's all for now. Thank you all for your warm wishes...I woke up with 50 new emails this morning! It was nice after listening to helicopters, sirens, and my phone's scary earthquake alarm going off all night.
My thoughts go out to those who were hit hardest by the quake.
*If you want to donate, don't do it at just any place (make sure it's not a scam). The RedCross is accepting donations via their website and text messaging and GlobalGiving.org is as well. Even Lady Gaga is selling bracelets on her site~
I took this from my friend Lucy's blog:
Here's one more image of where exactly earthquakes hit.
So as you can see, Tokyo was really lucky. It's the Sendai area which got hit the hardest.
The reason why I highlight Fukushima is because that's where the nuclear reactor is (aka my mom's biggest worry). People have been evacuated from that area, though Tokyo is fine right now because it's about 160 miles away. They are working on getting it under control. As long as nothing goes wrong with that, my trip here should continue on normally.
People are preparing for the possibility of a second big earthquake but my host mom assured me we have water and food stored away in case anything drastic happens. I think, or rather hope, the worst is over. I'm still doing fine and I'm finally in contact with all my friends here-my phone is working again and the trains are starting to run, but most people are staying home since there are still a lot of aftershocks coming.
I think that's all for now. Thank you all for your warm wishes...I woke up with 50 new emails this morning! It was nice after listening to helicopters, sirens, and my phone's scary earthquake alarm going off all night.
My thoughts go out to those who were hit hardest by the quake.
*If you want to donate, don't do it at just any place (make sure it's not a scam). The RedCross is accepting donations via their website and text messaging and GlobalGiving.org is as well. Even Lady Gaga is selling bracelets on her site~
Friday, March 11, 2011
Biggest Earthquake in 140 Years
I arrived home this morning all safe and sound: Had a delicious Family Mart corn dog and my first HOT shower in 3 weeks~As I was preparing to update my blog with a sneak peak about my travels....my plans were halted due to the 8.9 magnitude earthquake.
I've never experienced earthquakes before Japan....and after the shaking of this one halted, everyone I talked to said it was the scariest one they've ever felt in their lives. In case you're interested....where I was (my house in Tokyo), it started out very soft but soon the shaking intensified. After some seconds without the shakes ceasing, I had realized "oh cripes this is a big one...." and went to open my room door (you don't want to be trapped in a room if anything happens). I stood in my doorway of my room and my host mom called down the stairs to check on me from where her and my host sister were taking cover upstairs. I remember the shaking getting really bad- (no help from my knees trembling haha). Pictures crashed to the floor, vases tipped over knocking over some plants. A lot of things fell off shelves and broke but somehow the china managed to survive.
And then....the serious shaking stopped and all that was left was some swaying.
That's my experience with the earthquake so far. Even as I write the house is still moving from aftershocks every once in a while...and it's been 4 hours. My host family and I turned on the T.V. to see how it's been hitting other parts of the city and country...and by now you can see it too. The earthquakes triggered a 10 meter tsunami which is hitting the coastlines....buildings are catching on fire..Narita airport has been temporarily shut down...trains are down as well as cell phones (luckily internet still works)....people are being evacuated.
We are doing fine. Though parts of the country are not so fine to say the least.
And now there are tsunami warnings for Hawaii and even Oregon.
I will keep you guys updated ~
I've never experienced earthquakes before Japan....and after the shaking of this one halted, everyone I talked to said it was the scariest one they've ever felt in their lives. In case you're interested....where I was (my house in Tokyo), it started out very soft but soon the shaking intensified. After some seconds without the shakes ceasing, I had realized "oh cripes this is a big one...." and went to open my room door (you don't want to be trapped in a room if anything happens). I stood in my doorway of my room and my host mom called down the stairs to check on me from where her and my host sister were taking cover upstairs. I remember the shaking getting really bad- (no help from my knees trembling haha). Pictures crashed to the floor, vases tipped over knocking over some plants. A lot of things fell off shelves and broke but somehow the china managed to survive.
And then....the serious shaking stopped and all that was left was some swaying.
That's my experience with the earthquake so far. Even as I write the house is still moving from aftershocks every once in a while...and it's been 4 hours. My host family and I turned on the T.V. to see how it's been hitting other parts of the city and country...and by now you can see it too. The earthquakes triggered a 10 meter tsunami which is hitting the coastlines....buildings are catching on fire..Narita airport has been temporarily shut down...trains are down as well as cell phones (luckily internet still works)....people are being evacuated.
We are doing fine. Though parts of the country are not so fine to say the least.
And now there are tsunami warnings for Hawaii and even Oregon.
I will keep you guys updated ~
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Off On My Next Adventure!
-Ridiculously attractive money belt: Check
-Holy trinity of cameras : Check
-Wristbands of Power...(and by that I mean the kind that will hopefully keep the mosquitoes away): Check
Well it looks like I'm ready to go explore South East Asia for three weeks.
( It's a miracle guys....I managed to only fill my backpacking bag halfway! )
I am leaving tonight for my trip. I get back March 11th. There won't be any more blog posts until then but expect major updates when I get back and a flood of pictures.
Until then. Picture me riding elephants, exploring ancient ruins, and relaxing on beaches that look like this:
Don't be too jeal jeal <3
-Holy trinity of cameras : Check
-Wristbands of Power...(and by that I mean the kind that will hopefully keep the mosquitoes away): Check
Well it looks like I'm ready to go explore South East Asia for three weeks.
( It's a miracle guys....I managed to only fill my backpacking bag halfway! )
I am leaving tonight for my trip. I get back March 11th. There won't be any more blog posts until then but expect major updates when I get back and a flood of pictures.
Until then. Picture me riding elephants, exploring ancient ruins, and relaxing on beaches that look like this:
Don't be too jeal jeal <3
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The "How to not embarrass yourself too badly" guide
This post is dedicated to my dear friends, Jessica and Stephanie- who are coming to visit me in March. Neither of them know any Japanese (that I am aware of) or much about Japanese culture, so they have asked me: "what do I need to know about Japan before I come so that I will not embarrass myself too badly?"
So that's exactly what this post is...a "How to Not Embarrass Yourself Too Much" sort of guide for any people thinking of traveling here.
Part 1: What Japanese Should I know?
Very basic ( I don't want to get too detailed and scare anyone.. )
Arigatou- Thanks! (You can add Gozaimasu on the end to turn it into 'Thank you very much')
Konnichiwa- Hello (Good Afternoon)
Ohayo - Goodmorning
Ja ne- See ya laters
Gomen nasai- I'm Sorry
Hai- Yes
Iie- No
Sumimasen- Excuse me (You may also hear, Shitsure Shimasu)
Name Desu. Douzo Yoroshiku- My name is Blah...Nice to meet you!
Onegaishimasu - Please (You will also hear, Kudasai)
Oishii - Delicious
Daijobudesu- It's okay / I'm okay
Itadakimasu - What you say before you eat. It has no direct translation...the closest thing is like "I am now humbly accepting this meal." (If you are way pro, you say Gochisosamadeshita after a meal...but that is a long scary word.)
Nihongo Wakarimasen - I don't understand Japanese
Blah wa doko desuka? - Where is blaahh. (For example...Toire wa dokodesuka?...where is the bathroom? or Eki wa dokodesuka? where is the train station? )
Note* you will hear Irreshaimase! a LOT if you go shopping. It means "welcome" for places of business. You don't have to say anything back.
Here's a video I made specially for all y'all on the pronunciation of those words. I hope I was not speaking too fast-Lemme know if you have any questions !
PS. Sorry my computer fan is all loud and sounds like a vacuum. (Hopefully you can understand me)
Part 2: What should I know culturally?
-Dressing Rooms and Trying on Clothes: You will have to take off your shoes before you enter most Dressing Rooms. (A general rule is, if there is carpet there, they don't want you to dirty it with your street shoes). Also, one time I got handed this small cloth bag and was SO confused- like, "what the heck does she want me to do with this?" Well, apparently it's to put over your head, so that you will not smudge your makeup on the clothes. If you get handed the bag just smile and use it if you wish...I am usually pretty good about not rubbin' ma face all over the clothes though.
-Visiting someone's house: Usually you are supposed to bring an "Omiyage" for the person who's house it is. It doesn't have to be big- it's the thought that counts. You aaaalways take off your shoes in the entrance area of a home before walking around the house. Sometimes you will be provided slippers to change into. Don't wear these slippers outside or into the toilet area. At most houses you step out of your normal-slippers and into toilet-room special slippers. But that's another rule. DON'T WEAR THE TOILET SLIPPERS OUT OF THE TOILET ROOM. Sooooo embarrassing and easily forgotten. This doesn't only apply to houses- at some restaurants you take your shoes off and put them in lockers near the entrance....if this is the case, there will be slippers in the bathrooms to wear...don't forget about them and walk out with them on.
-Toilets: There are a lot of buttons on toilets- most of the time accompanied by characters you can't read. Flushers are usually behind the toilet seat or automatic like normal.... Check there before you start guessing with buttons. Occasionally you will get this big silver circle button on the wall that's a flusher...but that is usually accompanied with the English "flush". This may seem so silly to say but one time, a girl I know accidentally pushed an "emergency" button near a toilet and had a guy come rushing into the bathroom asking if she was okay--- embarrassing haha.
-Other bathroom stuff: On occasion (traveling outside Tokyo) you will hit bathrooms which don't provide toilet paper. Wow right? It's nice to keep a small pack of tissue with you just in case this happens. Lots of bathrooms, such as train station bathrooms, won't provide soap and almost all bathrooms don't provide options for drying hands. So if you so wish, it is nice to carry a small towel and even hand sanitizer.
-Trains: This is just general knowledge not even specific to Tokyo but I'm gonna reiterate it anyway: don't stand in the middle of opening train doors when you're getting on or off...move to the side. CMON people.
-Chopsticks: Brush up on your chopstick skills before you come! There are a few things that you should NOT do with chopsticks: sticking them down directly into your white rice and leaving them there- that's a funeral tradition. Scraping them against each other like a maniac to get every little splinter off: considered rude (obviously if there's a big ol' shard hanging off it you should get it off haha).
-Tipping: You don't tip here! Yaaaay. It's rude to do because it's insinuating that the person is not getting paid enough or something.
-Ramen: Loudly slurping your noodles is considered a compliment to the chef. Sometimes in restaurants you will be offered a bib so you don't get your shirt dirty from the broth. Use it if you wish- I've seen Japanese people use it on occasion.
-Hungry?: Convenient stores are very useful for quick snacks, but it is considered unruly to eat and walk at the same time....I do it anyway sometimes haha
-Escalators: Stand on the left if you wish to stand and ride. Go to the right side if you want to walk up. EVERYONE is super good at following this rule- it's nuts.
-Cash versus Cards: Japan is a cash based society. Rarely do people pay for things with their credit cards- quite different from America. Make sure to have withdrawn cash ESPECIALLY for restaurants. You can get away with credit when clothes shopping or shopping in department stores (but most cards charge an international transaction fee anyway- just use cash guys!) :D
-Try Stuff: Be adventurous and try things you might not normally (I'm thinking mainly food). You're in a different culture- experience it!
That's all I can think of for now! Like I said before, ask me if you have any questions or lemme know if you have been to Japan and have a suggestion for my list!
So that's exactly what this post is...a "How to Not Embarrass Yourself Too Much" sort of guide for any people thinking of traveling here.
Part 1: What Japanese Should I know?
Very basic ( I don't want to get too detailed and scare anyone.. )
Arigatou- Thanks! (You can add Gozaimasu on the end to turn it into 'Thank you very much')
Konnichiwa- Hello (Good Afternoon)
Ohayo - Goodmorning
Ja ne- See ya laters
Gomen nasai- I'm Sorry
Hai- Yes
Iie- No
Sumimasen- Excuse me (You may also hear, Shitsure Shimasu)
Name Desu. Douzo Yoroshiku- My name is Blah...Nice to meet you!
Onegaishimasu - Please (You will also hear, Kudasai)
Oishii - Delicious
Daijobudesu- It's okay / I'm okay
Itadakimasu - What you say before you eat. It has no direct translation...the closest thing is like "I am now humbly accepting this meal." (If you are way pro, you say Gochisosamadeshita after a meal...but that is a long scary word.)
Nihongo Wakarimasen - I don't understand Japanese
Blah wa doko desuka? - Where is blaahh. (For example...Toire wa dokodesuka?...where is the bathroom? or Eki wa dokodesuka? where is the train station? )
Note* you will hear Irreshaimase! a LOT if you go shopping. It means "welcome" for places of business. You don't have to say anything back.
Here's a video I made specially for all y'all on the pronunciation of those words. I hope I was not speaking too fast-Lemme know if you have any questions !
PS. Sorry my computer fan is all loud and sounds like a vacuum. (Hopefully you can understand me)
Part 2: What should I know culturally?
-Dressing Rooms and Trying on Clothes: You will have to take off your shoes before you enter most Dressing Rooms. (A general rule is, if there is carpet there, they don't want you to dirty it with your street shoes). Also, one time I got handed this small cloth bag and was SO confused- like, "what the heck does she want me to do with this?" Well, apparently it's to put over your head, so that you will not smudge your makeup on the clothes. If you get handed the bag just smile and use it if you wish...I am usually pretty good about not rubbin' ma face all over the clothes though.
-Visiting someone's house: Usually you are supposed to bring an "Omiyage" for the person who's house it is. It doesn't have to be big- it's the thought that counts. You aaaalways take off your shoes in the entrance area of a home before walking around the house. Sometimes you will be provided slippers to change into. Don't wear these slippers outside or into the toilet area. At most houses you step out of your normal-slippers and into toilet-room special slippers. But that's another rule. DON'T WEAR THE TOILET SLIPPERS OUT OF THE TOILET ROOM. Sooooo embarrassing and easily forgotten. This doesn't only apply to houses- at some restaurants you take your shoes off and put them in lockers near the entrance....if this is the case, there will be slippers in the bathrooms to wear...don't forget about them and walk out with them on.
-Toilets: There are a lot of buttons on toilets- most of the time accompanied by characters you can't read. Flushers are usually behind the toilet seat or automatic like normal.... Check there before you start guessing with buttons. Occasionally you will get this big silver circle button on the wall that's a flusher...but that is usually accompanied with the English "flush". This may seem so silly to say but one time, a girl I know accidentally pushed an "emergency" button near a toilet and had a guy come rushing into the bathroom asking if she was okay--- embarrassing haha.
-Other bathroom stuff: On occasion (traveling outside Tokyo) you will hit bathrooms which don't provide toilet paper. Wow right? It's nice to keep a small pack of tissue with you just in case this happens. Lots of bathrooms, such as train station bathrooms, won't provide soap and almost all bathrooms don't provide options for drying hands. So if you so wish, it is nice to carry a small towel and even hand sanitizer.
-Trains: This is just general knowledge not even specific to Tokyo but I'm gonna reiterate it anyway: don't stand in the middle of opening train doors when you're getting on or off...move to the side. CMON people.
-Chopsticks: Brush up on your chopstick skills before you come! There are a few things that you should NOT do with chopsticks: sticking them down directly into your white rice and leaving them there- that's a funeral tradition. Scraping them against each other like a maniac to get every little splinter off: considered rude (obviously if there's a big ol' shard hanging off it you should get it off haha).
-Tipping: You don't tip here! Yaaaay. It's rude to do because it's insinuating that the person is not getting paid enough or something.
-Ramen: Loudly slurping your noodles is considered a compliment to the chef. Sometimes in restaurants you will be offered a bib so you don't get your shirt dirty from the broth. Use it if you wish- I've seen Japanese people use it on occasion.
-Hungry?: Convenient stores are very useful for quick snacks, but it is considered unruly to eat and walk at the same time....I do it anyway sometimes haha
-Escalators: Stand on the left if you wish to stand and ride. Go to the right side if you want to walk up. EVERYONE is super good at following this rule- it's nuts.
-Cash versus Cards: Japan is a cash based society. Rarely do people pay for things with their credit cards- quite different from America. Make sure to have withdrawn cash ESPECIALLY for restaurants. You can get away with credit when clothes shopping or shopping in department stores (but most cards charge an international transaction fee anyway- just use cash guys!) :D
-Try Stuff: Be adventurous and try things you might not normally (I'm thinking mainly food). You're in a different culture- experience it!
That's all I can think of for now! Like I said before, ask me if you have any questions or lemme know if you have been to Japan and have a suggestion for my list!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
(Late, I know) Valentine's Day in Japan
(Late but hey- I was in Hokkaido sharing my love with Ramen on actual V-day)
Valentine's Day. This holiday brings on so many mixed feelings from people: some love it, some refer to it as single-awareness day, some claim its just corporations wanting you to spend money on cards and chocolate and flowers, and some just don't care.
For starters, in Japan on this day, it's only the women who give presents and chocolate to the guys. And there's a lot rules and specifications surrounding it.
For example, there are 3 different kinds of chocolate you can give: Giri Choco, Honmei Choco, and Tomo choco.
-Giri chocolate is "obligatory chocolate"...the chocolate you have to give to guys that are your friends to show your gratitude...but they are only just friends. This is the "no strings attached chocolate".
-Honmei Choco is the chocolate you give to that special someone...the person you are serious about. A lot of times this chocolate is handmade, because it is a sign of being that girls' "only one". After all, why would she spend all this time hand-making 20 boxes of chocolate? (*A side note: the handmade chocolate kits here are ridiculous! I wish I would've taken pictures. I was tempted to buy a kit just for fun)
-Tomo choco is chocolate for your other female friends! I guess according to a few websites, this has been a recent development in the past few years.
You don't give flowers here as gifts...(but since it's only the guys receiving the chocolate...maybe guys don't really like getting flowers anyway? I'm sure some do, but according to my friend Kanako, all the balloon and flower giving is uncommon)....I guess some women give small presents like Neckties to their Honmei Choco guys as well.
So, this is all sounding kind of unfair right?
A lot of people seemed to think so- and from the encouraging of chocolate corporations, in 1978 White Day was created.
White Day comes exactly one month after Valentine's Day: March 14th. It's a day where the guys who have received "giri" or "honmei" choco return the favor and give the girl gifts in return (and usually, it is supposed to be worth more than what the girl spent on him). Cookies, jewelry, white chocolate, lingerie and marshmallows are all popular gifts to give.
I personally didn't celebrate Valentine's Day since I was out and about traveling (and traveling with Americans for that matter)- and it kind of took a lot of stress off. There's a lot of social obligations to this holiday- I mean imagine buying a box of chocolate for every single one of your guy friends! You don't want to offend anyone by not wanting to spend money on them. (And it gets expensive here in Tokyo).
Valentine's is nice if you have that person to share it with, but really you should be grateful to them everyday I think. And not just to boyfriends or girlfriends but all those people you love. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)