In Japan, when it comes to Valentine’s Day, it is an event cherished for women to give chocolates to men as a way of expressing love and confession. Every year during the Valentine season, various types of chocolates are sold throughout the city. It is said that around 20% of the annual chocolate consumption in Japan takes place on February 14th.
As February 14th approaches, both children and adults, men and women alike, become excited. It’s a day when people nervously confess their feelings by giving chocolates to the “special someone” they admire or to their significant other. There are different types of chocolates to give – ‘Honmei Choco’ for someone you have romantic feelings for, ‘Giri Choco’ for colleagues or people you’re indebted to, ‘Tomo Choco’ for friends, and ‘Fami Choco’ for family. In recent years, ‘Tomo Choco’ (friend chocolates) has become mainstream, and there is even the emergence of ‘Gyaku Choco,’ where men give chocolates to women.
The meaning of Valentine’s Day has broadened.
Recently, there is also a trend of enjoying high-quality chocolates as a personal treat, known as ‘Jibun Choco’ or ‘self-chocolates.’
Especially for students, it’s the most thrilling day of the year. The most popular boys at school boast about how many chocolates they received, and even among female students, it becomes a day of creating handmade chocolates to give to their beloved friends. It becomes a day of cherished memories and youthful excitement.
Additionally, as a unique Japanese tradition, men who receive chocolates on February 14th reciprocate on March 14th with gifts such as cookies or marshmallows in an event known as ‘White Day.’ Not receiving a return gift on White Day is considered a sign of a failed confession, indicating unrequited love.
One of the surprises I encountered when coming to Canada was witnessing many men buying bouquets at the grocery store on February 14th.
I was shocked, thinking, ‘Do men give gifts to women on Valentine’s Day???’
Even with cultural differences, the custom of giving gifts to someone is wonderful. As a Valentine’s gift from Neko Ramen, we offer discounted coupons for gyoza. In addition to the popular pork gyoza, we also have 100% plant-based vegan gyoza for the vegan lovers. Warm up your cold season with a heartwarming bowl of ramen and gyoza from Neko Ramen.
This article was contributed to the February 2024 issue of Cowichan Valley Voice.
