Blog

#04

HOW TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY IN JAPAN

by Zaj Banzon

For all the single women out there reading this blog, don’t roll your eyes and say Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with you just yet. In most places, women can expect chocolates, flowers or even gifts from their partner on this “Happy Heart’s Day” but that's not how we do it here in Japan. On “Japanese-style Valentine's Day”, women are the gift-givers. Traditionally, women give chocolates or other sweets to express affection not just towards their partner but also to their crush, friends and coworkers. Here are the different types of “Valentine’s Day Chocolate” in Japan.

1. 「本命チョコ (Honmei Choco)」- True Feelings Chocolate

When you give chocolate to your crush or romantic partner, that is what we call “Honmei Choco”. “Honmei” translates to true feelings, one true love or favorite. A lot of teenage girls confess their feelings (in Japan, it is called 告白 ”kokuhaku”) to their crush by giving them handmade chocolates on Valentine’s Day.

2. 「逆チョコ (Gyaku Choco)」- Reverse Chocolate

“Gyaku Choco” is basically “Honmei Choco” but men are the ones giving chocolates, just like how they celebrate Valentine’s day in most countries.

3. 「友チョコ (Tomo Choco)」- Friend Chocolate

“Tomo Choco” is NOT what you give someone you want to friend-zone (emphasis on “NOT”) but for your girl-friends. Most girls exchange handmade chocolates, usually one-bite size so it’s easy to share, and wrap them in a cute bag.

4. 「義理チョコ (Giri Choco)」- Obligation Chocolate

As adults, there are things we don’t want to do but still have to, and giving “Giri Choco” is one of them. In some cases, it is customary to give chocolates to your male coworkers on Valentine’s Day. Some buy chocolates individually but others buy boxed chocolates as a group.

5. 「世話チョコ (Sewa Choco)」- Gratitude Choco

Giving someone chocolate as a sign of gratitude and care is called “Sewa Choco”. In a sense, it is a type of “Giri Choco” but it is much more personal since it isn’t an obligation.

6. 「ファミチョコ (Fami Choco)」- Family Chocolate

“Fami Choco” is used when you give your brother, father or grandfather chocolates on Valentine’s Day. Some families bake or eat chocolates together.

7. 「マイチョコ (My Choco)」- My Chocolate

“My Choco” is exactly what the readers of this blog need. You work hard, you deserve to treat yourself. So give yourself a fancy box of “My Choco” this Valentine’s Day.

“Happy Heart’s Day” isn’t just for couples here in Japan. When it comes to emotion, Japanese people aren’t that expressive. That’s why having an event like Valentine’s Day gives people the opportunity to express their true feelings and show gratitude to the people close to their hearts—whether it’s their partner, crush, friend, colleague, family member, or even themselves. So, if you’re the shy type like I am, try expressing how you truly feel through chocolate this upcoming Valentine’s Day.

参考文献 (Reference) ：https://web.hh-online.jp/hankyu-food/blog/lifestyle/detail/000736.html

Posted 09 February 2025