Valentine's Day is the day of love for many. In Japan, however, they do it a little differently than we do. Here it is the women who seduce the men, and they do it with chocolate. Yes, you read correctly, chocolate!
On Valentine's Day, Japanese women give chocolate to men. But note, not just to all men. "Giri-choco" is meant for colleagues, friends or classmates and is a kind of dutiful chocolate. The word "giri" (義理) is often translated as "duty" or "obligation," and it is used to denote a moral or social obligation one feels toward another person.
For example, in Japanese culture there may be a strong sense of giri between family members, friends, colleagues or even strangers. This may mean, for example, granting a certain action or favor to the other person because it is considered the right and morally proper action to do, rather than because one personally enjoys it or expects something in return.
In other words, if you get this chocolate, it probably does not mean you are the prince on the white horse you have always dreamed of. Sorry to have to say that, but better honest than cherishing an illusion.
This chocolate is given to the men who have piqued the woman's interest.
But there is still hope! For there is another type of chocolate, the "Honmei chocolate." "Honmei" (本命) is a Japanese word that refers to the favorite or most important person or thing. This chocolate is given to the men who have piqued the woman's interest. That already sounds better, right? It is common for the women to make this chocolate themselves to show that they really care about the recipient. So if you get Honmei chocolate, at least it means you didn't get sidetracked. Party!
And there's more. March 14 is White Day, the day when men thank women for the chocolate they received on Valentine's Day. On this day, men give white chocolate or other gifts to women. But note that the value of the gifts must be proportional to the value of the chocolate they received on Valentine's Day. So if all you received was a mini KitKat, it might be time to wonder if he is really interested in you.
But where did this tradition actually come from? It seems to have started in the 1950s when a chocolate manufacturer set up an advertising campaign to encourage women to give chocolate to men on Valentine's Day. The idea caught on and the tradition continued. And today in Japan, Valentine's Day is a day that celebrates both romantic and platonic relationships.
So, ladies, if you are in Japan and have caught the interest of a handsome Japanese, grab your chocolate molds and put your best foot forward. And gentlemen, if you get some chocolate, think carefully about what chocolate it is. It could just be the first step toward the love of your life. Or just a nice snack for during work. It's just how you look at it!
