I know I’m cutting it really close for Valentine’s Day. In my defense, I celebrate it a couple days before or after because it’s absolutely crazy the day of! Even our sushi restaurant that is practically empty almost all year round was packed last year! At any rate, Valentine’s Day in Japan is very unique. It’s actually a one sided event! Girls are supposed to give chocolates to the boys.
There are two kinds of chocolates you can give. One is called Giri-choko, this is meant for friends, bosses, peers. It’s supposed to be non-romantic. I literally gave out giri-choco throughout all my elementary school year. It’s meant to make sure others don’t feel bad or just to show some form of appreciation. The other is honmei-choco, which means from the heart! Some people decide to make their own chocolate to give or really really expensive chocolate. This is meant for people you have a crush on or your significant other.
This guy does a fabulous job explaining Valentine’s Day in Japan, but also goes into the next holiday White Day which is March 14th. (Yay for us ladies! >_<)
If you’re interested in making your significant other some honmei chocolate, here’s a recipe by Blogger Itadakimas Anime.
Another idea I thought would be cute honmei chocolate was from this YouTube video by OCHIKERON!
Let me know how your Valentine’s successes go!