Men may reap the benefits on Valentine's Day in Japan, but that doesn't mean women end up empty-handed. Come White Day - March 14th - the tables are turned, and goodies are lavished upon the ladies.
Like Valentine's Day, White Day celebrates not just romantic love but also friendship and other relationships, and while it may seem strange to dedicate a second day to love and amity, it's tied to an important Japanese concept: okaeshi, the custom of returning the favor.
This tradition is essential to maintaining positive familial and societal relations, which for White Day means that men are obliged to give something back to the women who treated them. Some even go so far as to say that sanbai gaeshi (repaying threefold) is the rule.
Top: <Saika no Houseki> Honey and fruit flavored jelly
From left: <HANAZONO MANJYU> Nure ama-natto, <FUKUSAYA> Cube castella,
<Eitaro Souhonpo> Arigato candies, <Keishindo> Heart senbei
Keeping the wheels of society moving smoothly can seem an intimidating task, but Nihombashi Mitsukoshi has plenty of okaeshi ideas to help menfolk pass White Day with flying colors.
Mitsukoshi White Day
Dates
February 24 - March 14, 2016
Location
Throughout Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building and Annex