Valentine's Day in Japan

Kirino from Oreimo holding honmei-choco

How Valentine's Day is celebrated in Japan has many similarities to how it is celebrated in America. It lacks all the "romantics" we have in the US such as cards, dates, evening dinners... they only give chocolate.

On February 14th, women and girls give chocolates to male friends, coworkers, etc. It is very unusual for men to give gifts or chocolate on this day. They do give a present in return later, but that's another blog entry.

If you're a well loved guy, you'll receive honmei-choco （本命チョコ） or "favorite chocolate", from a girl (or many girls). Usually, it'll be homemade, since it would be wrong to give your love interest store-bought chocolate.

If you aren't that lucky of a guy, you'll still receive giri-choco （義理チョコ）, which is store bought obligation chocolate. This is usually given to coworkers by women who would feel bad otherwise. It's probably better than getting nothing at all, right?

I'm thinking about making chocolate on Valentine's Day. On that day I'll be in school, so a few of my good female friends will get tomo-choco （友チョコ）, "friend chocolates".  My male friends will get giri-choco. I'm not sure if I'll make any honmei-choco, because it seems a little embarrassing.

Have a happy Valentine's Day, guys. If not, buy a bunch of half-priced chocolate on the 15th like I do (if you live in the US).

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Since I happened upon this, this entry is also a submission to J-festa's February 2012 Theme: Valentine's Day in Japan.