Happy Valentine's Day ...

So it's Valentine's Day. Japan has a way different take on V-Day than in the states. Here's their deal:

"If you are a male, your first Valentine's Day in Japan is probably going to seem unusual. You might get some rather confusing messages via the chocolates you receive on this day.

For most westerners, St. Valentine's Day is a day anyone can declare their love to someone special, male or female, anonymously. In Japan however, February 14th is a day when only girls hand deliver chocolates to boys. Wives give to husbands, girlfriends to boyfriends, and daughters give to fathers. If a girl likes a boy but she doesn't know if he likes her too, Valentines's Day is a great chance for her to tell him how she feels. She doesn't have to say much because the chocolate can express it all.

However, it is not always a romantic exchange, and this is where westerners can get confused. Honmei-Choko or Maji-Choko are chocolate presents from serious admirers. They are words used to describe the chocolates given to the boy she really loves. Giri-Choko on the other hand, is given to male friends, colleagues, bosses or other 'important' people, but without any romantic feelings. 'Giri' means a sense of obligation or duty. The difficulty for boys is figuring out whether the chocolate received is the real deal, or just a gesture. It's not a question you can simply ask either.

If you get chocolates from a girl, even if it's Giri-Choko, you are expected to give white chocolate, marshmallows or candies in return on 'Whtie Day', March 14th. If you want to use Whit eDay to confess your love to someone special, then you might give them jewelry or something more expensive at that time.

Valentine's Day may have been introduced to Japan by chocolate companies looking to sell more, but all the boys get a little excited about it. Just be careful: those choclates you thought were only 'Giri' might actually be from a serious admirer."

There you have it. Japanese-style Valentine's Day. I have some chocolates that I will be giving. 'Maji' or 'Giri'? You'll never know.

much love,
-tara-
xoxo