Valentine's Day in 2014

It was a white Valentine's Day in Saitama region in Japan.


Here's the photo in front of my house.

I don't wanna go out anywhere... (^o^;)





St. Valentine's Day is observed on 14th February, a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty in many countries.


Watch this video if you don't know the history of Valentine's Day.

Unlike western countries, gifts such as greeting cards, candies, flowers, or dinner dates are not so common in Japan.


Instead, Japan has its unique custom that only women give chocolates to men, especially office ladies give them to their co-workers as a small token of everyday appreciation.


Many women obliged to give what we call "Giri-Choco" to all male co-workers.


To the contrary, chocolate given to a loved one is called "Honmei-Choco," for the number of which men compete with others.


Recently, friends, especially girls, exchange their homemade chocolate, which is called "Tomo-Choco."


Surprisingly, Japanese chocolate companies make half their annual sales during this time of the year.





Anyway, I got many sweets from more than 20 students this year.


I'm so happy to feel that I'm recognized as being a good teacher to them.


Thanks a lot!!

I'll be a diabetic...!? (^o^;)