Tag Archives: Valentines Day

Life In Japan: Western Holidays

Posted on November 12, 2018 by johnrachel

I admit, at first I had mixed feelings when I encountered Western holidays in Asia.  Wasn’t it cultural pollution?  Wasn’t any place safe from Ken and Barbie dolls, the Easter Bunny, Superman, Santa Claus, Ronald McDonald, Taylor Swift? Gradually, however, I’ve adjusted to the fact that in Asia, Japan in particular, the modus operandi tends to be a sponge more than a condom.  The cultural roots here are so deep, a little cross-pollination actually reinforces the uniqueness of the region’s distinctive features. Continue reading →

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: White Day

Posted on March 12, 2018 by johnrachel

White Day in Japan is the occasion for the guys to give sweet treats and other simple gifts to the girls, payback for bestowing on them piles of chocolate and other heart-shaped confections on Valentines Day. Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Nihilism, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 20, 2018 by johnrachel

They celebrate Valentines Day here — a distinctly Japanese version of the love holiday. It’s very innocent to be sure, but the guys are still in charge. Yes, on Valentines Day, the guys in Japan just sit back and the girls pile it on — chocolate, that is. From what I can tell, none of the giving is based on hot passion, hot sex, hot anticipation. Basically, the message is: “I’m a girl and you’re a boy and you’re not all that bad.” Or maybe: “I like you. I think. Call me maybe?” Continue reading →

Posted in Deconstruction, Japan, Nihilism, Social Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment