Let's Know about Japan with Bunta

I live in Japan only for 3 years (as of 2002) and know little about the place.
So, let's learn together about customs and traditional events of Japan.
I will choose the hottest topics. Shall we start?

Bunta & Minami

"St. Valentine's Day"

Winter (February, 14th)

	Why are there many shops selling chocolate these days?
	Oooooh, it's because St.Valentine's day is coming.
	What's "St.Valentine's day"?
	In Japan, girls give chocolates to her beloved person. However, this is not all the case.
	What do you mean by that?
	Well, St. Valentine's day becomes a kind of customs that girls or working women express their gratitutde to their friends, colleagues, or managers. This is known as "GIRI choco(late)." By the way, "Giri" literally means 'duty', you know. Other than that, they give heartful chocolate and/or additional presents to their beloved person, which is generally called "HONMEI choco(late)". "HONMEI" literally means 'candidate who is most likely'. As you can see from these explanation, they classify people and choose the one to give a heartwarm chocolate or presents.
	Wooooooow, how cunning they are!!
	Moreover, some of them expect a return gift as twice as much of their present, which is called "BAIGAESHI" in Japanese. So be careful, Bunta.
	I'm too innocent to know such a grown-up world.
	Well, most of the girls just want to express their thanks to thir friends. Don't be so nervous.
	I see. But don't you forget that we can't eat chocolate!! So this story does not apply to us.

"Bonenkai"

Winter (Year-end)

	Koooon, koooooon.
	Hey Bunta, why are you whining?
	My daddy came home late these days. He seemed to drink. That's why I feel sad and whine.
	Ooooh, it must be "Bonenkai" that makes your daddy come home late!!
	"Bonenkai"? What's that?
	Well, "Bonenkai" literally means "forget year party." In December, many Japanese businessmen get together and enjoy drinking Saki and other alcohols to forget every unhappy memories or hardships of the year.
	I see. I didn't know it at all.
	This might be origined from Kegare(impurity) spirit of Shinto. I suppose that they would like to celebrate the arrival of the new year with pure mind based on the concept of "let bygones be bygones".
	It's hard for me to understand.
	Anyway, the point is "enjoy having bonenkai", and forget everything. Fortunatelly, Many Norfolks and Kairns hold "Bonenkai" this year. Why don't you join the party?
	How kind of you! Let me join.