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Writer's pictureMyles' Japan Life

No Equality on Valentine's Day

Updated: Apr 2, 2020

I've always regarded #ValentinesDay as a lady's day. In my mind, men should line up buy the #roses and #chocolates, and make reservations for the V-day dinner. Yes, when it comes to February 14, I'm traditionally romantic. I melt with the chocolates and blush with the roses I receive.


So, the reversal of roles that Japanese people do on this day remains baffling, despite being here for more than 10 years. As most of you know, the Japanese ladies use this day to convey their "hidden" feelings to that desired person. Interestingly enough, they send the message by the quality or price of the chocolate they give.


If a lady gives a man an ordinary chocolate, they call it a "#girichoco" (#義理チョコ), which is literally "obligation chocolate". But if the chocolate is more expensive and of higher quality, it is referred to as #honmeichoco (#本命チョコ) or "true feeling chocolate". This means the lady wishes more than a platonic relationship.


If such is the case, it begs the question: how would the man know the price of the chocolate? Or that it is of higher chocolate when most of the Japanese men (age range is 19 - 72 years old) I have talked to are not that crazy about chocolates?


To the clueless man, can I just conveniently "forget" to remove the price tag or the receipt before handing it to him? So, before I line up and #doastheromansdo on this day, I wonder what is the lower limit for the #honmeichoco...


P.S. I got this as a #tomochoco (#友達チョコ ), friend chocolate. Following the premise of price levels for honmei choco, will the price of this present reflect the level of our kinship? I wonder if I'm just as Acquaintance, a Friend or a #BFF (best friend forever) ...




P.P.S. Despite the distance, I try my best to make sure my mom knows she is loved. Businesses like #IslandRose makes it easier to send my love through their bouquets to loved ones back home. Just some of the roses I've sent to my dearest Momi on #HeartsDay.





Happy Hearts, people!


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