In Japan, Valentine’s Day is an important holiday during which, unlike in the West where men men give gifts and flowers, it’s the women who spoil the gentlemen with chocolates. A way of celebrating affection and friendship!
Chocolatiers have created a variety of chocolates: Giri-choco for male colleagues, Honmei-choco for lovers, Tomo-choco for friends, Kazoku-choco for family, Jibun-choco for herself.
Around 20% of annual chocolate consumption is linked to this event.
JR Nagoya Takashimaya, a renowned department store in Nagoya, achieved record sales of over 21 million Euros from January 19 to February 14, 2023, an increase of 42% on 2022, and welcomed over 700,000 customers.
The tradition continues on March 14, White Day: men give gifts back to the women who have spoiled them, often cookies, marshmallows or sweets.
Nama-choco is characterized by its ganache with a high water content, which gives it a soft texture much appreciated by the Japanese. This “fresh” chocolate should be eaten within a week of production.
Thanks to our ambassador, Junko Nishikori, for this Cointreau-flavored creation.
