Valentine's Day In Japan

 Valentine's Day in Japan is very different to the holiday in the West. Instead of couples exchanging gifts, having romantic dinners or getaways or sending a card to your crush, women give chocolate to men.

This charming tradition has a surprisingly modern origin, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s. Up to this time, Valentine's Day wasn't widely known then confectionery companies began promoting the idea of giving chocolate on February 14th. Early campaigns targeted women, encouraging them to express their feelings through sweets. By the 1970s, it became a nationwide custom.

There are different categories of chocolate.

Giri-choco (義理チョコ)- "Obligation Chocolate" This always made me smile; the idea that you feel obligated to give a gift to someone is very Japanese. This is a big thing at workplaces, bosses, and co-workers are given some chocolate. It's polite and friendly, a way to show appreciation and keep a sense of harmony at work.

Honmei-choco (本命チョコ)- "True Love Chocolate" This is the romantic chocolate, given to husbands, boyfriends or that crush you've had for months. Some ladies go to the trouble of making something themselves!

Tomo-choco (友チョコ) "Friend Chocolate" In the 2000s, giving chocolate to friends became very popular. It's fun, casual and a great way to share sweets with friends. My kids would come home from school with Tomo-choco.

Jibun-choco (自分チョコ)-"Self Chocolate" Many people treat themselves to some special chocolate. Why not?

This is Hannah tomo-choco, her friend gave it to her yesterday.

Hannah's tomo-choco

I know this sounds unfair, the ladies are the only ones giving presents. Not to worry, March 14th is White Day, when the men buy for the ladies!

As is often the case in Japan, the holiday has nothing to do with the Christian idea. Whenever I tell my students that Valentine's Day is named after a Christian saint, they are shocked; to them, it's just about romance and chocolate!