Today is Valentines Day as i know it but in Japan it’s better know for the custom of Giri Choco.
Giri choco (義理チョコ), literally, “obligation chocolate” in Japanese. Giri choco is chocolate given on Valentine’s day to someone whom the giver has no romantic feelings for. This is often given to co-workers, casual acquaintances, Friends etc. This is generally reciprocated on White day.
The custom of Giri Choco is big in Japan, and i mean big. Many companies spend their whole years marketing budget on the promotion of Giri Choco and are rewarded with most of their years profits coming in the week prior to the 14th of February.
According to the Chocolate & Cocoa Association of Japan, of the 406 billion yen in annual sales of chocolate in 2006, approximately 53% was spent during the month leading up to Feb 14. Some confectionery companies spend the bulk of their yearly marketing budget on Valentine’s Day.
Last night on route to dinner i went past an endless number of shops displaying their wares, not always just in the form of traditional chocolate, in hope of a few last minute sales.
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I wished someone would give me giri-choco… perhaps fondled boobs brand would be best… if you don’t believe it exists check out the “an englishman in osaka” blog!
I did see that earlier this morning Mike, very amusing indeed!
I got choco from one of my girls that was real decorated in this nice bag. I put it in the fridge, but then another girl who came over opened it up and saw the choco. “Where did you get this?” she inquired. I said “Oh a friend at the office gave it to me”….Man, I knew she wasn’t going to believe that because the bag looked way too nice. Then I offered her some choco…..I’m terrible!
I wonder who got the idea to start this custom? But guys, you need to pay back in March, right?
Who got the idea? A very clever marketing exec i’d say. Yes, guys pay it back on White Day in March, to the expected tune of 3 times the value of the gift from the girl.
Thank you so much for your visiting. Your Blog is very interesting and impressive ! It is not GIRI messages.
WOW that looks yummie!
-Mike
so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute so cute !!!
i miss chocolates in japan =(
Wow, the giri choco look sweet…Too bad these are not for lover…So what kind of chocolate is given to lover in Japan?…It must be sweeter than these.
They can be for your lover too i’m sure.
That “not to Love” gesture is very lovable.
It’s actually quite scary how big it is here. Every department store is filled to the rafters with chocolate. But the majority of the chocolate is very good, none of that cheap mass produced crap I am used to for Easter in Australia.
Life is too short to eat bad chocolate!