also known as the day we’re sticking with the Western tradition.

Tis’ the season for chocolate, pink hearts and roses! While all over the world men and women prepare give gifts to those they love Japan strays from the pack on this particular holiday. While pink hearts everywhere are a daily occurrence, the chocolates have appeared on shelves everywhere – for the women to buy for their husband or boyfriend(s?). Men, sadly, need not lift a finger on Valentines day.

While the universal gift here is chocolate – and only chocolate – women are still expected to hand over a box of chocolate on Valentines Day. Lack of effort or creativity aside, Valentine’s day is for men in Japan. But there is a catch. In march there is another holiday which represents the man’s turn to shower his loved one(s) with gifts. It’s important to note that white day isn’t a chocolate holiday as nary a chocolate will be given…it’s a day for diamonds, pearls and purses. Yes, you have that right, he’s expected to fork over diamonds and pearls in exchange for a box of chocolate.

Sounds totally fair, no?