In Canada Valentine’s Day is generally a one-way exchange where gifts are given mutually or by one person to another, without the expectation of a gift in return, like Japan’s White Day. The idea of reciprocation on a specific day, as seen in Japan, is not a cultural norm in Canada, where Valentine’s Day tends to be more focused on romantic gestures rather than social obligations. Personally, for Valentines Day, I appreciate simple gestures like spending time with family, enjoying a nice meal, or exchanging small gifts to friends to show appreciation. Personally, I see a deeper connection to handmade gifts, just because it shows how much time and effort someone put into providing the best gift. It could just be a card showcasing how much they mean to you or as I did this year, some origami.

The concept of giri-choco in Japan, where chocolates are given out of obligation rather than personal affection, reflects the value placed on maintaining workplace or school relationships. While this is usually surrounded by inclusivity, I don’t think it would fit seamlessly into Canadian culture, where gift-giving is generally seen as a more personal act rather than a duty. However the idea of small thoughtful gestures to show appreciation for colleagues and friends is a nice one. In elementary school, exchanging Valentines cards with classmates was always fun knowing everyone could go home happy. It was a lighthearted way to make sure no one felt left out. While watching some of the anime’s where they’re obligated to give chocolates to their classmates, it seems as if it was forced and they chose the cheapest, smallest chocolates to give. I can see how it can be really troublesome if someone you dislike is apart of your workplace or class, you wouldn’t want to give them anything but as a pity treat you have to.

As for kouhaku the dynamic of one person confessing while the other listens, is an interesting cultural aspect of romance in Japan. In Japan, people clearly say they like someone before starting a relationship, which makes things simple. In Canada, relationships usually start more slowly, with flirting and spending time together, but without really saying anything directly. While kouhaku makes things clear. I think id prefer to confess rather than stare from afar, as its better to be upfront about feelings rather than wondering if they like you back, it gives you a sense of relief wether they reciprocate the feelings or don’t. However, theres definitely a certain charm to admiring someone from a distance, especially if it builds anticipation. You can always go to your friends and talk about small situations where you’ve talked to the person or made eye contact. I think nowadays it’s not common for people to confess face to face, just because of the awkwardness that occurs afterwards. Kouhaku seems better, just because it wont leave either party wondering if they’re friends, talking or in a relationship.

In conclusion, Japan and Canada have different ways of celebrating love, but they both focus on making people feel special. Japans traditions, like giri-choco and kouhaku, are more structured and straightforward, while Canadas are more casual and optional but could be confusing wondering the question “what are we?”. I like that in Canada, gifts feel more personal and arent expected so it seems truly sincere but I also respect Japans direct way of handling romance, a straightforward act. In the end, no matter where you are, Valentines Day is all about showing you care, whether through gifts, kind words, or just spending time with people who matter.