It’s been a month since Valentine’s Day, but love is still going strong.
The ever enigmatic White Day is here, and while all anime fans are smirking right about now, some of you might be confused. So what is White Day? In Japan, the day a month from Valentine’s Day is celebrated as White Day. So on 14 March, guys give return gifts to the girls who gave them gifts on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, unlike the big VDay, White Day is not as popular as there is much less will-they-won’t-they drama. However, some anime series were able to perfectly capture the essence of this sweet occasion, and you definitely shouldn’t miss them.
Working!! episode 7
Image: A-1 Pictures
The 2010 anime series Working!! aka Wagnaria!! is not a super popular name in the genre anymore, but that doesn’t diminish its value. Based on Karino Takatsu’s manga series, the show has a pretty low-key White Day episode at the Wagnaria family restaurant. The protagonist of the series, Sōta, thoughtfully gives gifts to all his female co-workers at the restaurant, although none of them feel particularly romantic. He even uses a magic-hand to give Inami her gift since she is afraid of men and punches any guy on reflex. The only romantic bit comes up when Jun gives a gift to Todoroki, although the latter seems to be oblivious to his advances. Overall, although it’s not bursting with romance, this episode captures the value of friendship perfectly well.
Acchi Kocchi episode 12
Image: AIC
Adapted from Ishiki's manga series, this funny and romantic series puts a different twist on the concept of White Day. The first part of the episode is focused on Valentine’s Day, when the girls make chocolates for the guys they’re interested in. Unfortunately, Tsumiki’s chocolates get wet in the rain, but Io accepts them nonetheless. The second part is focused on White Day, and is much more chaotic. This is due to Sakaki making pig-feet marshmallows for Maoyi to get back at her for the frog-flesh chocolates. It would make you both laugh and swoon at the characters’ antics. In the end, Io and Tsumuki spend a sweet day together talking about his gift for her.
Fruits Basket (2001) episode 12
Image: Studio Deen
The older Fruits Basket series definitely brings a wave of nostalgia to the shores of your soul. Based on Natsuki Takaya’s manga, the 12th episode of the popular series is called White Day. The whole Sohma family, along with Tohru, head to the hot springs and a chaotic series of events ensue. The guys all bond with Tohru, and she also has fun hanging out with them. She plays a ping-pong match with Kyo, who doesn’t go easy on her because she’s a girl. Overall, the episode was really sweet and laid back, and a terrific watch for those who miss the original anime.
Wolf Girl and Black Prince episode 7
Image: Shueisha, Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation, VAP, TYO Animations, Yomiuri-TV Enterprise
The heart wants what it wants, even if it’s a red flag. Adapted from the Ayuko Hatta’s manga series, the show focuses on the love story between the popular but arrogant guy Kyoya, and his ‘wolf girl’ Erika. In the 7th episode, Erika quits being Kyoya’s pet after realising that he’ll never see her as his real girlfriend. She tries to move on, and even goes on a date with a sweet guy who likes her. On the other hand, Kyoya suffers as he realises how much he has come to like the sweet girl he had only intended to bully. Unfortunately for Erika, she has to break it off with the new guy when she catches herself remembering Kyoya while on a date. In the end, Erika and Kyoya make up, with a kiss and a confession. Although it’s not a traditional White Day episode, the dramatic turn of events make it an entertaining watch.
My Love Story!! episode 21
Image: Madhouse
We have to close the list with one of the cutest shojo anime of all time. In our Valentine’s Day episodes list, we were all praises about the show’s VDay issue. The very next episode of the series, adapted from Kazune Kawahara’s manga, is the White Day special. Takeo, the kindhearted giant guy, bakes some cookies for his girlfriend Yamato. But the more interesting part about the episode is Takeo’s handsome best friend Sunakawa and his new love interest Yukika. Unlike the previous girls who liked Suna but hated Takeo, Yukika adores both Takeo and Yamato. She also likes Suna because of his kindness and giving nature instead of his princely looks. Although she has some issues, Takeo tries to help her confess to Suna, and it’s infinitely endearing to watch. This newfound love makes it by far the cutest White Day episode in anime.
