September Valentine (Sebutenbā Barentain)

What Is September Valentine?

September 14 is "September Valentine" in Japan. Falling exactly six months after White Day on March 14, it is said to be a day when women may break up with men. The custom is said to have originated on "Pack in Music," a late-night TBS Radio program that was hugely popular with young people in the 1970s.

A "Breakup Day" Born on Late-Night Radio

Before social media, late-night radio was a major source of trends and values for young people in Japan.

• The original program: TBS Radio's "Pack in Music" was an extremely popular late-night show in the 1970s, hosted by personalities including Kinya Aikawa and announcer Yoshio Hayashi. However, exactly when and how the program first talked about September Valentine is unknown.
• The unusual "rules": According to the custom, you wear something purple, paint your nails white, and hand your partner a farewell letter written in green ink in person.
• Another day from the same show: "Summer Christmas" on August 25 is also said to have originated on this program.

September Valentine in Song

In July 1978, singer-songwriter Yukio Sasaki released a single titled "September Valentine." The lyrics were written by Atsuko Saito and the music by Yasuhiro Abe, who had originally performed the song at the 1977 Yamaha Popular Song Contest.

• The song: A ballad with lyrics about parting, it was later covered by artists including EPO.
• The era: It was a time when radio programs and listener submissions often gave rise to new "anniversaries" and fads.

September Valentine Trivia

• Six months after White Day: Following Valentine's Day on February 14 and White Day on March 14, some in Japan treat the 14th of each month as a day for couples.
• Opposites on the same day: September 14 is also "Men's Valentine's Day," when men confess their love to women by giving them lingerie. It was established in 1991 by the Japan Body Fashion Association, so a "confession" day and a "breakup" day share the same date.
• Cosmos Day, too: September 14 is also said to be "Cosmos Day," when couples exchange gifts accompanied by cosmos flowers.
• The meaning of the colors: There seems to be no clear record of why purple, white and green were chosen.

Ideas for September Valentine

• Pick one habit you want to quit, not just in relationships, and let it go.
• Clear out things you no longer use from your desk or computer.
• Look up other anniversaries and fads that were born on the radio.
• Listen to Showa-era songs such as Yukio Sasaki's "September Valentine."

Drawing a Line Leads to the Next Step

September Valentine on September 14 is a slightly bittersweet anniversary born on late-night radio. Letting go of something also creates room to start something new. Whether or not it involves a relationship, take this day to review old habits and things you no longer need, and welcome autumn with a lighter heart.