March 14th--The "Other" Valentine's Day in Japan

March 14th is White Day

 

Things are done a little differently in Japan.  Guys are the only ones who receive Valentines on February 14th.

Probably, half the candy sold during the year, in this part of Asia, flies off the shelves during February.

Women buy it for the men in their lives.

A month later, the guys are supposed to give gifts to the ladies.

Maybe, another 20% of the year's chocolate sales occurs during the month of March.

Guys tend to forget stuff.  So, here's a reminder.

Last night, I went and bought a bunch of chocolates, on the way home.

Knowing I'd be busy tonight, I started passing out my White Day gifts early.

After I saw about three of the sweethearts, I had enough beer and went home.

Wildlife photographers have to be up early in the morning.

Thank These Love Birds for the Reminder

Walking along the bank of the Okukubi River in Kin Town, Okinawa, Japan I spotted them.

It was March 13, 2013 at 10:36AM when I started taking these photos.

The captions, ahem-ahum, are just my imagination, talking to you.

Him: Hi, Honey.  What's for supper ?

Her: It's White Day and you forgot to bring me a gift.

What's for supper ?  What's for Supper ?  What's for supper ?  That's all you have to say ?

Guess what, you insensitive duck ?  You're swimming in your supper.

  EAT IT !

He tries some and it tastes like fish so, he spits it out.

Him:  OK.  It's White Day.  I'll go get us some pizza.

Her: Don't forget, ANCHOVIES.

Dudes, if you are living in Japan, don't forget, the Other Valentine's Day !

You May Also Like:  These Birds on Valentine's Day Cracked Me Up

Flower (Photo) Orchids and Valentines Day: Groan

Wow !  I can't believe the responses I'm getting from yesterday's Travel Photo Thursday post where I threw together an Orchid Lovers Photo Essay.

I'm still sorting through the photos from the Orchid Show and hesitate to call this Flower Photo Friday but, the thought had crossed my mind.

Today, I just want to show you a flower photo where I got up a little closer to the orchids was able to eliminate some of the harsh lighting.

I'm afraid, if I let everyone see the real tight close up shots, people will expect me to identify the orchids by common name and scientific title, like I do when I shoot wildlife.

There are a few shots I took where you can read the names of the orchids and I'll be posting them shortly.  I'll probably create some new photo gallery on the website and name it "FLOWERS" but, these things take time so, please be patient with me. If I say I'm going to do something, I usually do it, just not in a rush. 

If people keep telling me they want to see more flowers, I'll gitter dun, one of these days. I'm just a little too busy right now.

To give you an example, I decided I'd go shoot Valentines stuff today. In Japan, Valentines is a bit different than what most people are used to.

So, I figured I'd shoot some photos of an American style display in a store, then the typical Japanese Valentines display and show the differences.

Thinking I had a whole three days before Valentines Day to do the shooting (Photos) was a big mistake, as far as American stores go. Almost everything was gone.

It's the 11th of February here. What ever happened to good old American procrastination; isn't that a manly virtue anymore ?

After getting the store manager's consent to take pictures, I went looking for the stuff. 

There were, like eight heart-shaped boxes of candy left.  I rearranged the display so it looked like something and snapped a few photos.

Then, bought five boxes so I can stuff the grandkids with chocolate if I ever get stuck watching them by myself, again. Grandpa knows how to cook good stuff.  I'll call it chocolate sashimi.

Anyway, now I have to run around and see if I can get some pictures of a Valentines display in a Japanese store.  I'll have to go to one of the big cities, I think.

Where I live in Okinawa most folks are fishermen and farmers so, they aren't really into the Valentines hoopla like city folks. They don't believe in the Easter Bunny, either. Good people.

So, enjoy the orchid photo and let me know if I should create a Flower Photo Friday or just a flower gallery and I'll see what I can come up with for you.  I'm back on the road chasing Valentines.  WU HU HU !