All over the world on Valentine’s day lovers exchange gifts, but in Japan this tradition is much more popular than one might expect.
In the West, it is usually the boyfriend who gives a gift to his beloved, meanwhile in Japan this practice has also spreaded to friends, colleagues and family. More specifically, girls are the first declare their love through the gift of chocolate. In fact, another difference is that in Japan no expensive gifts such as flowers or jewellery are exchanged, as is more common in the West.
There are different types of chocolates that are given and they vary depending on the type of relationship the person has with the one that receives the delicacy. This tradition has become so popular that even online shopping sites have different categories depending on the recipient of the chocolates.
Friend/colleague Boyfriend Family and friends Yourself
Source: https://event.rakuten.co.jp/valentine/?lid=valentine2025_pc_top_floating_gnavi_logo
The most traditional chocolate types are:
The Giri-Choko (義理チョコ): Giri(義理) is the japanese term for ‘duty’. It is the not too expensive chocolate given by women to colleagues, family members or classmates as a sign of kindness.
Honmei-choko (本命チョコ): is regarded as the chocolate for declaring one’s feelings to a loved one. Although it can be bought, it is most often made by hand. Honmei (本命) literally means ‘the chocolate of deepest desire’.
Tomo-Choko (友チョコ): these are the chocolates that Japanese women give to each other as gifts between friends. This type of chocolate is also often homemade.
Jibun-Choko (自分チョコ): Jibun (自分チ) literally means “Self” in japanese, so this chocolate is a self-made gift for yourself.
Source: https://www.japanlivingguide.com/lifestyle/shopping/valentine-chocolate/
While this is the Japanese way of celebrating February 14th, it should not be forgotten that 30 days later, on March 14th, there is the so-called “White Day”. On this day, men who are in love reciprocate the gift of Valentine's Day by giving back to their loved ones white chocolates, soft toys or jewellery.
The establishment of these two days is relatively recent, and stems from a series of advertising campaigns by the Kobe-based confectionery company Morozoff, which led to the establishment of February 14th as the date for celebrating Valentine's Day in Japan and exchanging sweets.
Source: https://www.eternityflower.com/blogs/news/white-day-2024
Flowers, chocolate or a romantic date in your favourite restaurant? If you haven't chosen yet, here are some of our shoes for a perfect matching gift (for both him and her):
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