Valentine’s Day Gifts Japanese Men Want From Women

Take notes from these Japanese men on choosing the perfect Valentine's Day gift!

It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day in Japan is celebrated differently from the rest of the world. Instead of men and women exchanging gifts, women give chocolates and presents to men on February 14th, and men return the favor exactly a month later on “White Day.” With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many women here feel pressured to choose the perfect present—something that reflects their feelings while keeping their crush’s preferences in mind. If you’re new to life here and have your eyes on a certain Japanese man, you’ve come to the right place! Rather than offering general advice, we’ve asked a few Japanese men to share their thoughts on the best Valentine’s Day gifts Japanese men would love to receive. Here’s what they had to say!

1. A Small Box Of Fancy Chocolates

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“If it’s your first time celebrating V-Day in Japan, a small box of good quality chocolates is a safe choice for someone you like. Something that costs anywhere between ¥1,500 to ¥2,000. Avoid spending more than that as the guy would feel pressured to prepare an even more expensive item in return on White Day.” —Mr. M, Company Employee.

Where to buy it: Department stores like Takashimaya, Isetan or Mitsukoshi, chocolate shops or hotel pastry boutiques.

2. Stylish & Practical Workwear

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“Aside from chocolates, men also appreciate fashion accessories like ties, tie pins, cufflinks and socks that they can wear to the office. These thoughtful, practical gifts will make him think of you whenever he wears them.” —Mr. Y, Company Employee

Where to buy it: Department stores and men’s wear shops in these shopping districts.

3. Limited Edition Products

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“Most Japanese men love branded and limited-edition products. Owning something rare symbolizes scarcity, exclusivity and personal style. We also love receiving chocolates wrapped in aesthetic packaging. An attractive box will make your Valentine’s Day present more memorable.” —Mr. N, Company Director

Where to buy it: High-end brand shops (think Ginza), handmade one-of-a-kind shops (go to areas like Yanaka Ginza, Kappabashi, Koenji, Shimokitazawa, Aoyama or Daikanyama, or look out for the word 限定品 (genteihin; “limited edition.”)

4. Good Quality Innerwear Staples

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“While fashion items like bags, wallets, handkerchiefs, watches and outerwear are great V-Day gift options, they will not be well received if they do not align with your crush’s personal style. A safer gifting option would be good-quality undershirts and underwear. Preferably neutral-colored ones so they can match multiple outfits.” —Mr. K, Company Employee

Where to buy it: Department stores and men’s wear shops in these shopping districts. Or, keep it simple with stuff from Uniqlo or Muji, or check online on Gunze or B.V.D.

5. It’s The Thought That Counts

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“When selecting a Valentine’s Day gift for someone, avoid going over the top and splurging on expensive gifts. Instead, choose something small with a subtle meaning. It could be a book, a cute trinket, a poem, a type of flower or an item that reminded you of them. What matters is the sentiment and thought behind the gift, not the extravagant price tag or size.” —Mr. T, PR Consultant 

Where to buy it: There are heaps of trinkets at these variety shops or DIY something using stuff from the 100 yen shop or art supply shop.

6. An Impromptu Coffee Date

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“Like women, men too like to be taken out on dates. Treating him to a meal, a coffee or a pastry at his favorite cafe will surely make his day. Also, a cafe setting is the perfect place to spend quality time together.” —Mr. M, Company Employee

Where to buy it: Here’s a list of outdoor dates to take him on, some last minute date ideas or check out these traditional cafes.

7. Handmade Chocolates For The Win!

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“There’s nothing more heartwarming than receiving tezukuri choco (handmade chocolates) on Valentine’s Day. The fact that a woman took the time and effort to make them indicates her romantic feelings. Ladies, do not feel shy about experimenting with cute animal shapes like bears, rabbits, cats and birds because we love receiving them!” —Mr. H, Company Employee

Where to buy it: You can get all the supplies you need from variety shops, supermarkets and 100 yen shops! Try this Valentine’s cheesecake recipe, two easy chocolate recipes or these healthy Valentine’s chocolate hearts.

8. Seasonal Items Are Always Welcome

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“Since Japan is big on seasonal items, selecting a Valentine’s Day gift based on it is clever. For example, since it’s still winter, gifting gloves, mufflers, earmuffs or hand warmers could be appropriate gifts for the season. Even customized items like having his initials embroidered on a bag, hand towel or t-shirt pocket would be a sweet gesture.” —Mr. M, Company Employee 

Where to buy it: Department stores or variety shops.

At the end of the day, the perfect Valentine’s Day gift isn’t about how much you spend or how rare the item is—it’s about the thought and effort behind it. So, even if it is just a simple box of chocolates, what truly matters is showing your appreciation in a way that feels personal and heartfelt. Don’t stress too much about picking the “perfect” gift—chances are, he’ll be happy just knowing you thought of him!

What do you plan to give as Valentine’s Day gifts to the Japanese men in your life? Let us know! Or, maybe you plan to get something for yourself instead? Fair enough, here are our recommendations on gifts to give yourself this Valentine’s Day.