In the United States, when it comes time to give sweets to your sweetheart, or to your teachers and friends, we only really do so on Valentine's Day. On that day, most people give each other gifts, boy or girl! In Japan, though, I have quickly learned that there are two days for gift-giving: Valentine's, and White Day. To me, it is an interesting concept that only girls give gifts on Valentine's Day. If the same thing were tried in America, I don't think many people would like that!

Then again, since White Day is a day for boys to give gifts, I think maybe some people would be okay with that.

Coming to Japan, I had already known a little bit about the difference in how our two countries celebrate very similar holidays, but I didn't think much of it until I was here and saw it happen that it really hit me! I think the most interesting thing (besides getting candy) is seeing firsthand how two places can have the same or similar occasions or holidays, but celebrate them so differently! Another one is Christmas; I haven't seen how differently Christmas is celebrated here compared to back in the United States firsthand, but I look forward to doing so! Our differences make us unique and interesting, and learning about other cultures and their customs, traditions, and holidays can help enrich our lives!

All of that to say, Happy White Day!