Japan: Valentine's Day Protests Because of Hurt

As Japan prepares for Valentine's Day, a group of men are taking to the streets, calling for an end to public displays of affection, saying it hurts them.

Kakuhido group protests against Valentine's Day. Photo: AFP

“Showing love in public is terrorism”

On February 12, a group of men carrying banners reading “Smash Valentine’s Day” marched through the streets of Tokyo’s Shibuya district, calling for the cancellation of the annual celebration of love.

It is known that the above men are members of the Kakuhido group, a "revolutionary alliance" of men who are criticized by women for being unattractive.

The group chanted slogans as they marched: “Showing love in public is terrorism.” “Our goal is to crush this new age of love,” AFP quoted group member Takayuki Akimoto as saying.

“We are not looking for the value of love in the way society imposes. That is a conspiracy of those who think that unattractive guys are inferior and worthless. Public affection is shameful and unforgivable,” Akimoto added.

Previously, the group protested against “housewives ruling Japan’s future” in the face of the reality that husbands had to work hard to support their families.

The tradition of giving chocolates is just a business strategy.

Kakuhido also expressed his displeasure at the situation where women rush to buy chocolates for men, from lovers to colleagues.

In Japan, girls give chocolate to boys on February 14, and men return the favor a month later, on White Day on March 14. This tradition has been maintained since the 1980s, when it was started by a confectioner.

“The tradition of giving chocolates means you are always competing. Your value depends on how many candies you get. That is the business strategy of the chocolate sellers. It is ridiculous!”, member Akimoto (33) sarcastically said.

According to Akimoto, businesses have twisted Valentine's Day, which has its roots in Christianity and ancient Rome, to capitalize on it for profit.

Akimoto claims that the message Kakuhido is trying to convey is having an effect on Japanese people 10 years after its founding. “Recently, many people have been spending Christmas alone. Women are getting tired of Valentine’s Day. We believe that through our struggle, we have contributed to social change,” Akimoto said.

Kakuhido was founded in 2006 by Katsuhiro Furusawa, after being dumped by his girlfriend and developing anti-Valentine's Day thoughts.

“We want to say, you don’t need to celebrate Christmas or Valentine’s Day, it’s just a day to do normal things. Our enemies are scary, but we are ready for a long fight,” Akimoto concluded.

According to Tienphong.vn