Today is Feb. 14, St. Valentine's Day. In other countries I think both men and women exchange cards or presents. In Japan there is a unique custom. Only women give chocolates to men whom they like. In return men give women something sweet a month later on March 14, which is called "White Day."
In 1958 a Japanese chocolate company started a gift campaign and the custom of giving chocolates to men became popular. One fourth of chocolate consumptions of the year is for St. Valentine's Day.
There have been three types of chocolates: honmei choko (本命チョコ： chocolate for true love), giri choko (義理チョコ: chocolates to boss or colleagues for obligation), jibun yo choko（自分用チョコ：chocolate for myself）. Since it is Saturday today, maybe there are fewer giri choko this year.
This year there is a new trend too. That is gyaku choko(逆チョコ：reverse chocolate), men give women chocolates.
How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in your country?
I hope you have a Happy Valentine's Day.
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