Valentine’s day in Japan is the day and the “only day” when a girl is allowed to tell a boy how she feels about him … with chocolate, a token of love. That was true at least when we were young. The custom has been gradually changing over the years, and some people today exchange chocolate among friends to celebrate their friendship, but the basic idea is still there. Valentine’s treats have to be chocolate (or chocolate related products like chocolate cakes, chocolate cookies) in Japan, no other candies or flowers are proper gifts. When we were young and innocent (!), it was hardly noticed, but it does sound like the whole thing is very much commercially driven by the chocolate industry, doesn’t it?
