February 15, 2010

Valentine's Day chocolates

These are the chocolates I got from Akina yesterday. For those unfamliar with the way things work in Japan, on Valentine's Day, women give either obligation (giri) chocolate or true (honmei) chocolate to the men in their life that they have some connection to, whether co-workers, friends, relatives, or (possible) lovers. Giri chocolate is simply meant to keep relationships smooth (though it's also a sign of how male-oriented/dominated Japan has traditionally been). Honmei chocolate is for those towards whom the woman has romantic feelings. On March 14th, "White Day," men return chocolate to the woman they want to return romantic feelings to.

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