March 14 is White Day in many Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Celebrated a month after Valentine’s Day, it is a day when men repay the attention and generousity shown them by women on February 14 (traditionally a day when women give men presents) by giving chocolate and other gifts of affection.
White Day began in 1978 in Japan and is gradually becoming popular throughout Asia.
(photo © Livvy/cc license)

The Snow Festival in Sapporo, Japan, is being held this week, from February 5 to 11. One of the largest winter events in Japan, the Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950. The highlight of the festival, which takes place around Odori Park in the central part of the city, is the 400+ large snow sculptures, such as the one picture above. Over two million visitors attend the festival annually.
(photo credit © flickr user: showbizsuperstar/cc license)