On Valentine’s Day in Japan, women traditionally give men chocolate. Each year, a group of protesters gathers to march, carrying signs that read “Pulverize Valentine’s Day” and “Making out in public is terrorism.” On Valentine’s Day in Japan, there is also a practice of giri (obligation) chocolate, with women feeling compelled to gift their male co-workers. Some offices have banned this practice because it might stressful for the women and the
rummy noble men don’t necessarily even want the chocolate. Increasingly, giri-chocolate has become inexpensive
rummy satta chocolate bars instead of pricey sweets. A month later, men are supposed to give women sweets on White Day, which is on March 14, making both days one-sided
The year, like in year’s past, Kakumeiteki Himote Doumei (or, loosely, “The Revolutionary League of Lonely Souls”) gets together
rummy star for Valentine’s Day protests. This is not a large group (this year seems smaller than last year’s), and as evident in the photos, not all the members are men. Women participate in the march, so the group is not just “unpopular” men. Since this year’s Valentine’s Day happens during the week, the protest was held this past Saturday. Protest slogans include, “Resist romance capitalism!” and “Don’t discriminate others on the number of times they’ve had sex!” as well as “Resist the opposition to otaku culture that can be enjoyed even if you don’t have dates!” Below is last year’s protest.
“There is nothing sexist, misogynistic or offensive in the slogans per se, and the group’s publicity warns participants against dabbling in provocations or discriminatory speech,” writes William Andrews on the excellent blog Throw Out Your Books. “This is partly a policy of practical self-protection, and a common caution by protest organizers in Japan, since doing so can lead to legal troubles and result in a permit to march being
denied the next time round.” As Throw Out Your Books also points out, it’s hard to tell if this is serious or just a gag. But it’s been going on since 2006, so the group’s leaders must either be dedicated jokesters who enjoy the attention or truly want to pulverize Valentine’s Day. Maybe it’s a bit
of both 今年も完膚なきまでにバレンタインデーを粉砕することに成功いたしました！デモに参加して下さった同志の皆様、ニコニコ動画の生中継で見守ってくださった同志の皆様に厚く厚く御礼申し上げます！ pic.twitter.com/MeJBAq7LpK — @革命的非モテ同盟 (@kakuhidou1) February 9, 2019 The group’s official website has a listing still up for its most recent Valentine’s Day protest, which was held this past Sunday in Shibuya. Why Sunday and not on the 14th? Probably because the revolutionaries have jobs and need to work. The protest was open to anyone who wanted to join, and before the march begins, organizers set aside some time for media interviews, which further underscores the notion that this is a gag or a stunt. The group doesn’t only protest Valentine’s Day, but also White Day and Christmas, the last of which is, for many Japanese, a day for couples to go on dates. So, the group isn’t protesting Christmas for religious reasons, but rather, dating ones. It looks like Valentine’s Day will continue as scheduled this year in Japan. There’s always next. This article was originally published on February 13, 2018. It has
since been updated.