Jeepney Press / Alma Fatagani-Sato

The Days of Romance in Japan

By Alma Fatagani-Sato

February 14th is known all over the world as Valentine’s Day, a day for expressing the appreciation of love and relationships. In most countries, the day is celebrated by exchanging gifts, such as chocolates or roses, cute stuffed toys, and a romantic night out in the town. Originally a romantic occasion but also, school children often exchange Valentines Cards that may contain candy.

However, in Japan, Valentine’s Day is a day that women show their appreciation of men in their lives. It’s celebrated by giving chocolates to the men, not limited to the one in romantic relationship only but to all the men around their lives. For further understanding, I will introduce some words related to Japanese Valentine:

Giri Choco 義理チョコ, literally means “obligation chocolate”, and it’s a chocolate given to friends, bosses, co-workers, teachers, family members, and other men who doesn’t have any romantic involvement. Nowadays, the giri choco is discouraged by most companies, since it is too stressful, time consuming and sometimes expensive, for both men and women to choose the appropriate chocolates to avoid offending the recipient.

Honmei Choco 本命チョコ, literally means “real objective chocolate”, and this is chocolate given to a boyfriend, husband, or lover – or someone in that position. To avoid any awkward misunderstanding, this is usually more expensive, elaborate and sometimes, for a more heartfelt message, handmade (there are many shops that sell the chocolate making kit).

Jibun choco 自分チョコ, literally means “myself chocolate”, this is the chocolate you buy for yourself. You will definitely be tempted to buy, if you see the nice and attractively designed displays of chocolates around town.

Tomo choco 友 チョコ, literally means “friend chocolate”, this is the chocolate women buy for their female friends on Valentine’s Day. It’s often very decorative or expensive, and many women like to get together to eat their chocolates and spend time together.

Basically, Japan have the custom called Okaeshi お返し, it’s returning the gift received with another gift. Gift-giving in Japan is actually like an exchanging of gifts. Valentine’s Day is not an exemption. Every man who received some chocolates needs to return the gift.

The White Day, which is on March 14th, exactly a month after, the role is reversed. The men give chocolates to women and it’s called the Gyaku choco 逆チョコ, literally means “reverse chocolate”.

Alma Fatagani-Sato

Jeepney Press