Tokyo Weekender - February 2016

y Chris Zajko
Valentine’s Day in Japan is a big deal. In
fact, you may have seen many department
stores and supermarkets wheeling out
their elaborate chocolate displays as
far as a month in advance. Aside from
the size of the event in Japan, there is another key
difference to Valentine’s Day elsewhere in the world—
only women give gifts, often to both male colleagues or
friends (giri-choco or “obligation chocolates”), as well
as their partners (Honmei-choco).
Of course, the ladies have their turn exactly a
month later (on March 14) for what is known as
“White Day,” when guys are expected to return the
favor by presenting gifts to the women in their lives.
Regardless of whether you chose to do Valentine’s
Day the Japanese way or just use the it as an opportunity
to spend some quality time with your special someone,
planning ahead is key to impressing. Here are some
creative ideas to get the ball rolling:
Musica Presents
Valentine Rock, Volume 9
For a slightly sweatier, noisier and more energetic
date idea, Valentine Rock is coming to the rescue.
Liquidroom’s annual V-Day party has been running
for eight long years and sadly this year—its ninth
edition—will be its last. In an effort to showcase some
of Tokyo’s buzzworthy local indie acts, Musica magazine
has curated a night of heartfelt live music especially
for the occasion. Straying from its often acoustic
approach to programming the event, this year’s headliner
will be celebrated shoegazers The Novembers,
with support duties filled by Keishi Tanaka, Homecomings,
DAN, Yo Irie and the recently added special guest
Tatsuya Mitsumura (of Nico Touches the Walls fame).
Atsushi Kano will also be spinning tunes throughout
the night to keep the dance floor alive.
Where: Liquidroom, Ebisu
When: Sunday February 14 | How much: ¥3,500
More info: www.tokyoweekender.com
or www.liquidroom.net
FEBRUARY 2016 www.tokyoweekender.com