Valentine chocolate.

February 14 is an important celebration for lovers.
But did you know that the culture of "giving chocolate" did origin from Japan (and Korea too)? ^_^
(perhaps there were people who gave chocolate even before, but that was not a culture.)

Originally, Japanese tradition defined that confession of love must be done from a man to a woman, otherwise the woman who confessed love is labeled "a shrew" or "scolding".
But on 1960's, when the imported culture of "Valentines day" diffused all over Japan, confectionery companies directed attention to it.
They promoted that "valentines day is the only day when women can confess their love to men, together with giving chocolate", and it was successful.

in 1980's, the concept of "chocolate-in-duty" was introduced.
This is given to the "loved" ones, but not in romantic way. (i.e. family, relatives, classmates, teachers, etc.)
And this allowed women to give chocolate without being shy.

Of course, those confectionery companies increased the sales even more.
And the tradition of "White day" on March 14 too, this time men returns chocolate or other confectioneries to women, showing gratitude, and answering if he loves her too or not. (this is too complicated, so let me omit.)
(By the way, Korea has celebration of couples on 14th day of every month.)

Don't worry, women who confess love is no longer treated as "a shrew" or "scolding" anymore.

Anyway this day is a good day for "the ones who love chocolate".

Thanks for everybody who gave me chocolate, whether it is "chocolate-in-duty" or not.
Mmmmm...