I Love You In Japan
“I Love you” is not used in often Japan, the main words to express deep feelings is “daisuki” (I really like you), with many Japanese never uttering I love you their whole lives.
A group called Japan Aisaika (”Devoted Husband”) Organization is challenging this cultural standard and asking husbands to come forward and shout their love! Kiyotaka Yamana, who founded the organization, believes that when men become devoted husbands, they also become better men, caring more for others.
Dozens of men stood in a Cabbage field and shouted the words their wives rarely or if ever have heard- Thank you and/or I love you in an event organized by JAO. January 31st is Beloved Wive’s Day and husbands are encouraged to look their wives in the eyes when they are talking, be home by 8 from work (coming home at 8 pm is early in Japan!), and telling their wives how much they appreciate them.
Signs of affection by men are rare in Japan, the upcoming holiday, Valentine’s Day- is a day where men receive gifts of chocolate from their girlfriends and wives. March 14th, White Day, is the day the men repay the women back with gifts, however this is not commonly celebrated.
a very interesting absurvation laurel (and thanks for reporting this) I can only relate my own personal experience with the phrase..aishiteru(n) which by the way is a rippingly good track by Dimitri from Paris.
http://www.myspace.com/djdimitrifromparis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukuyomi_-Moon_Phase-
now, for the first few years of my marriage to my wife (Arden) I made a point of saying those “very special words” I-love-you..at every opportunity I could…
Guess What?…one day she swung around and bellowed “Yes-I-Know!!..why do you Western Men repeat yourselves so (bad word) much”
Well not to be outdone by this hissy-fit I countered with “When you lot stop spouting Gomen-nasai every thirty seconds”
your (Scenes from a marriage reporter)
remora
(*_+)
February 14th, 2008 at 3:28 pm