This weekend, Valentine’s Day finally arrived, and got me thinking, “what kind of stories should I do…?” I thought of a couple, but was too lazy to make a post because I was a bit pre-occupied with trying to go to Red Lobster. But since that’s over, I can focus on “that late Valentine’s Day Post.” For today, we’ll be talking about how Japanese V-Day is super pimp because GIRLS get the GUYS chocolates (then how later, guys return the favor).
As hinted at, the Japanese celebrate St. Valentine’s day in a rather special fashion. Women give men gifts of chocolate as well as other gifts.
These yummy gifts of lust can be divided into two categories: giri choco (courtesy chocolate) and honmei choco (romantic chocolate). Just like the translation suggests, giri choco is given by women to anyone remotely known. This may include superiors, co-workers, and even that creepy guy who likes lending out free candy in a windowless white van. It isn’t out of the ordinary for a single woman to purchase up to 30 boxes of this type of chocolate for distribution around the office as well as to men that she has regular contact with.
Naturally, the very thought of Valentine’s Day is something department stores make sure to take advantage of. Gargantuan displays with chocolate heart-shaped chocolate displays usually make an appearance in mid-January.
Ranging in the “several hundred yen range,” woman happily dole out money to make a social statement. In addition, some may purchase an expensive box of honmei choco along with another gift such as a necktie for a sexy hot stud such as myself.
Now I know this may seem really unfair for the woman, but not to worry! Japan took notice of “male feelings of obligation” and made “White Day” in 1980 to help douse feelings of guilt for those who were lucky enough to get a nice choco-treat. The name comes from the white boxes and bags gifts are wrapped/carried in. Exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, men are supposed to return the favor by giving the women who gave them gifts more expensive chocolates or gifts. So just remember guys, if you live in Japan, there’s no such thing as “forgetting Valentine’s Day!” Happy belated holidays everyone 
Always thought it was a bit odd how the Japanese celebrated today. I guess it was a way for them to be able to exchange gifts without the pressure.
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…So basically, Japanese Valentines Day just requires you to spend even more money on stuff. Fantastic
Japan has it so easy if you ask me when Valentines arrive. It’s up to the women to break the ice when feelings are mutual instead of men. We happen to give the wrong gift or something to cliche….just something dumb when you happen to be inexperienced in the field of romance. Yeah, I remember my few humiliations when it came to giving items to sweets.
Love letters were huge back in my school. I remember one letter was written in the most smallest neatest cursive I seen in my life I had to get someone else to read it to me. Eventually my pride took lead by then to now that if women can’t take the lead to express themselves completely I would ignore them.
Pride is the best. (No need to continue story)
Happy belated Valentine’s day!
Ah, so that was what it was called, Giri Choco and Honmei Choco. Will remember that.
I still think there’s a degree of injustice between V day and White day, because women are expected to make chocolates by hand, while men can buy them off a store…
But anyhow, it’s super pimp indeed. That’s why I’m rushing off to Japan. Trying to.
Wow, Valentines is a big deal there is it? Never knew there were two different types of Valentine chocolates.
Where I’m from it’s just the one kind – romance. Thankfully for me, I got what I wanted
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You don’t dig the new layout? Old one was better? You put TWO frowny faces…TWO! lol
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This is a really cool blog! I wish I had found it sooner. Keep up the good work.