We’ve all wondered at some point if the Valentine’s gift we received was simply a gift or a “gift-gift.” Is it a token of friendship or something more? Should I make a move or is this over-thinking?

And we’ve likely been on the giving end, hoping that Cupid’s arrow might touch the object of our affections, feelings would be reciprocated, and long-held desires would finally come to fruition. Oh, if only there was a way to know! Alas, in Japan, there is.

A Twist to Traditional Valentine’s Day

A number of legends tell of how St. Valentine married couples in secret, helped persecuted Christians escape prison, and after being imprisoned himself, fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and signed a love letter to her, “from your Valentine.” Centuries later, many parts of the world continue to celebrate love and devotion to their own Valentines.

In most of the West, ladies wait eagerly for deliveries of red roses and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, new jewelry, thoughtful cards, and even marriage proposals. The holiday is one of the most popular dates for popping the big question.

But in Japan, it is the women who traditionally give chocolates on February 14th. Across the country, aisles and window displays of adorable candy boxes, cute character-themed containers, intricate cards, and cocoa-dusted sweets adorn storefronts and shelves. Colorful trimmed bows and picture-perfect gift boxes are as alluring as the decadent confectioneries within. Luckily for the men, they are under no pressure to peruse these aisles until White Day. For women, there are decisions, decisions!

Special Delivery

Not only is there chocolate galore through February and March, but different types of chocolate are given depending on one’s relationship.

Giri-choco is an obligatory, inexpensive chocolate intended for coworkers and bosses. Your tomodachi (friends) and family can receive tomo-choco, which is usually fancier and more decorative.

Homemade honmei-choco is the deepest expression of devotion. These chocolates are made at home and a true investment of time, talent, and yen, as this is the most expensive form. Honmei-choco is reserved for one’s true love or confessing a more serious interest (wink, wink!).

However, with the changing times, Japanese women have pushed back against the social expectation and financial burden of buying giri-choco for their workmates, preferring to gift tomo-choco and honmei-choco. Jibun-choco, or chocolate one buys for herself, is also very popular and is a sure way to enjoy the holiday.

Increasingly, Japanese men are opting for the traditional approach to Valentine’s gift-giving as well, choosing instead to give to love interests, girlfriends, and wives Gyaku-choco (reply chocolate) on February 14th.

Finally, March 14th!

A month later, “White Day” follows, the color symbolizing purity and associated with the innocence of teen love in Japanese culture. The holiday was introduced by the confectionery industry in the late 1970s and is also celebrated in Taiwan and South Korea. White Day is an opportunity for men to reply to the gifts they received. Thanks to overwhelming options of chocolate, subtle messages can be exchanged (and eaten!).

To Be or Not to Be?

Remember in elementary school when you were passed a folded note that read “Do you like me? Check yes or no.” Little boxes would invite you to confess your feelings and there was no space provided for comments. On White Day, men answer those little folded notes by way of chocolates. Traditionally, they should reply to their female gift-givers with a token of greater value than the one he received. If he gives an equivalent amount of chocolate, it may be seen that he wishes to end the relationship. If he chooses not to give a gift at all, it is considered an utter rejection.

Hopefully, he’s just forgotten to pick up some chocolates and finds a konbini (convenience store) before the end of the day.

Your Box of Chocolates

Regardless of the type of choco or gifts you received in February, be sure to pick up a little treat to celebrate this unique holiday. And if you find yourself in Japan during these months, give in to a flawless box of delicious perfection, whether you call it jibun-choco, honmei-choco, or “just because!”

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Stunning cherry blossoms gently swaying in the breeze as petals slowly dance to the ground. Laughter and chirping birds fill the warm air while families and friends gather to welcome the beauty of spring.

Hanami is just one of the few traditions that take place in Japan during this time of year, and the picturesque scenery is a key factor behind why this country is such a popular destination for many people across the world.

This can be seen from the fact that spring is a favored time for tourists to visit. The interesting thing is that cherry blossoms are not unique to Japan and can be found in all stretches of the globe. However, it has been ingrained in Japanese culture to highlight and celebrate the changes of each season, as well as to be thankful for nature’s beauty.

What is hanami?

Hanami is a Japanese word that directly translates to ‘flower viewing.’ While this can be used to describe any sort of flower viewing, it is almost exclusively used when referring to cherry blossoms or ‘sakura.’

The seasons are something that are cherished by the Japanese, and the changing of the seasons are always welcomed with various events and customs. For example, the summers are synonymous with fireworks and festivals, autumn is recognized for its fiery foliage colors, winter is famous for its new year’s celebrations, and spring is all about the cherry blossoms.

When thinking of hanami, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of people coming together to share food and drinks under the fleeting petals of a fully bloomed sakura tree. Exchanging stories, laughing and conversing under the pink canopies while picnicking — this is the epitome of hanami.

Given that the cherry blossoms typically only last about two weeks, it’s a very limited and time sensitive period attracting millions of people who want to view the phenomenon for themselves. As the sakura fall as quick as they bloom, everyone awaits with bated breath for the first blooms. Then in a flash, it’s a sea of people rushing to the many sakura spots to see them all.

Hanami Picnics

As previously mentioned, picnics during the cherry blossom period is the main focal activity that symbolizes the coming of spring. Not only are the pink flowers a sight to behold, but the warmer weather and clear skies make it the perfect occasion to spend some good quality time outside.

Being able to get together with friends and family, to share food and drinks surrounded by petals as they flutter to the ground is such a serene and peaceful experience. This is a tradition that has been going on for thousands of years, being described in literature and poetry. It has grown and become a huge highlight of the year that has developed into a trademark of Japan.

But what sort of foods and drinks would you typically expect at a hanami picnic?

Hanami has deep rooted connections with the past, so some sort of ‘wagashi’ (which are traditional Japanese sweets) is practically essential to see. There will be a lot of overlap with pink colored or sakura flavored food to match the pink aesthetic of the cherry blossoms. Some examples are ‘sakura mochi’ which is pink and wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf, and ‘hanami dango’ which are three mochi-like balls on a stick, with each ball being a different color of pink, white and green.

To provide something a little more filling, nice and simple foods such as onigiri, sushi and a small bento are an excellent choice. People will usually pack these with rice and an assortment of sides like fish, vegetables, meat and sometimes an ume plum.

As it is an occasion where you gather with people, the popular drinks of choice are alcohols. Japanese sake or any of the specially flavored or packaged drinks for hanami is a good place to start. For non-alcoholic drinks, there’s green tea for people who want to stay in the traditional lane, but fruit juice and the reliable thirst-quenching beverage of water also never disappoint.

Festivals

Another custom you will find during the blooming hanami season are festivals, known as ‘matsuri’ in Japanese. While festivals are most frequent in summer, you can still find a few popping up in various spots throughout the year. For those who will not be here in summer to witness these spectacles or to avoid the hellish humidity and heat, spring is still a great option. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the background of pink that is stroked across the landscape like a painting makes it a truly magical moment.

If there’s anything to go by for these traditional Japanese customs when it comes to the celebrations of the seasons, it’s that these moments and periods of time come and go so fast. It is important to remember to slow down and enjoy the little things that make us happy.

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The first maid cafes popped up in Tokyo’s geeky ‘otaku’ district of Akihabara in the early 2000s as part of a niche subculture.

Almost twenty years later, maid cafes have only grown in popularity, and they’ve gone international — there might be one in a city near you! We’ve all seen pictures of maids in frilly aprons, but what’s a visit to a maid cafe really like? Here’s everything you need to know!

First-class Hospitality Fit for a Master, or Princess!

The first thing you’ll hear upon entering a maid cafe goes far beyond a simple “hello” or “welcome.” Instead, the maids greet all patrons with an enthusiastic “Okaerinasaimase, goshujinsama / (ohimesama),” meaning “Welcome home, Master (or Princess)!” For the duration of your time there, make yourself at home, and the maids (yes, dressed in their frilly aprons and adorable dresses) are here to provide everything from cafe service to conversation and even entertainment!

Recite a Spell — It Makes the Food Taste Better!

After you order a dish and the maid brings it out from the kitchen, customers are always asked to recite a spell together with them — usually something like “moe moe, kyun!” or “oishikuna~re!” (become delicious!) which definitely adds to the entertainment value of going to a maid cafe, and who knows, might actually make your food taste even more delicious!

The maid will often put on a little act in the process too, such as writing a message on the food with ketchup, or mixing a drink. Have your phone cameras at the ready because you won’t want to miss the adorable dish made just for you!

Enjoy the Show, and Cheer on Your Favorite Maid

Sometime during your visit, the lights dim and spotlights come on, signaling that it’s time for a little performance! These are usually cute singing and dancing sequences by some of the maids working at the cafe. Join in on the fun by clapping and cheering them on! In Tokyo, you may even see people wielding glow sticks in support of their favorite maid.

Engage, and Be Respectful

Maids at a maid cafe provide an extra level of service not found anywhere else. They actively engage with customers, making conversation, and do their best to whisk Masters and Princesses away from the stresses of their daily lives. To get the most out of the experience, dive in headfirst and play into the fantasy; whether that’s having a fun conversation, playing games, or reciting spells!

That being said, always be respectful of boundaries: never touch the maids, ask beforehand if you can take a photo with them, and refrain from asking for anyone’s personal information.

A Fun Trip Away from Reality

Maid cafes have always been quirky and unconventional, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to forget about life and all its responsibilities for a while. This may be why they first started cropping up — as a way for tired Tokyoites to unwind and feel at home after a long day, and escape into a world where everything is cute, bubbly, and full of enthusiasm. For the maids themselves, working at a maid cafe is an opportunity to explore a side of their personality they’re often unable to express in conventional society.

In Closing…

Whether it’s the appeal of frilly dresses, the homely feeling, or something much deeper, people love maid cafes — and their lasting popularity proves it. Now that you know everything there is to know about maid cafes, go visit one!

And with that, we’ll leave you with a line the maids always say to departing Masters and Princesses:

Itterasshaimase, goshujinsama, ohimesama!

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