Valentine’s Day Sweet Reversal

In Japan, Valentine’s Day gets a delightful twist that sets it apart from the global phenomenon. Celebrated on February 14, just like everywhere else, the day is primarily about women taking the lead. Japanese women showcase their affection or gratitude by gifting chocolates to men, whether they are romantic interests, friends, or colleagues.

This tradition divides the gifts into two types: “honmei-choco” (true feeling chocolate) for genuine love interests and “giri-choco” (obligation chocolate) for others, often coworkers. This isn’t just about romance; it’s a cultural practice that blends affection with obligation, making the day exciting and sometimes a bit stressful!