That’s One Way to Say ‘I Love You’: Men Gather in Public to Shout Compliments At Their Partners

It may be another two weeks until Valentine’s Day, but love was definitely in the air in Tokyo last night as Japanese husbands gathered in public to scream out their feelings of passion and appreciation for their wives last night.

Reuters reports that Japan is a country where modesty is traditionally valued over grand gestures of love. This is why, every year, hundreds of Japanese men gather together and express their feelings for their other half. It sounds strange but you have to admit, it’s also pretty cute.

Declarations from last night ranged from the simple (“I love you!”) to the more personal (“Thank you for all the homemade lunches!”).

“I’m sorry that I’ve gained weight over the last seven years,” one businessman yelled.

“But that’s because the meals you cook are so delicious!” he added.

The event allows Japanese men to freely express themselves

The expressio event, which is currently in its fifth year, was originally thought up by Kiyotaka Yamana who wanted to encourage Japanese men to show their affection rather than hide it.

“The economy is getting better in Japan and I see a lot of Japanese married couples getting more active in deepening their relationships,” said Kiyotaka.

Wives, who were in the audience to hear their husband’s declarations of love, clapped and laughed throughout the event.

“He’s very fabulous and manly today,” said Yuko Todo, speaking after her own husband shouted out some compliments.

“It just reminded me how macho he used to be – I’d forgotten that in the eight years we’ve been married. My heart pounded,” she added.

How would you react if your other half started yelling compliments at you in a public place?