They may not buy into the concept behind a holiday, (Christmas is anything but Christian here), but they absolutely buy, buy, buy. Store displays in Tokyo evolve from one holiday to the next. And if there isn't a Western holiday dominating a window display, there's a Japanese holiday.
I was in Loft, (a Tokyo institution, kind of like Target but a fraction of the size and better merchandized), and was astounded by the Valentine's display. During Christmas one third of the first floor had been dedicated to miniature Christmas trees and assorted decorations. I walked in right after Christmas and the same floor, but even more of the floor, was dedicated to Valentine's Day. CRAZY!
In Tokyo, Valentine's Day is a two-parter. On February 14th women give men chocolate. Yes, women, not men. There are several kinds of gifts. "Obligation gifts", called Giri-choko" in Japanese, which are given by women to male associates or office workers; and there are more "romantic" gifts, called "Honmei-choko" which are given to their hearts desire as a gift of their affection. Strings are attached and I'm not talking about the wrapping paper.
A month later, on March 14th, otherwise known as "White Day," men are expected to return the favor and more. Men who received "obligation gifts" are expected to reciprocate with a token of equal value. Men who received the more substantial and meaningful Honmei-choko are expected to reciprocate with homemade cookies or cake, dinner, flowers or more. This explains why there were so many cookie making kits at Loft.
As for me, I got Russell a box of our favorite mini-chocolate souffle cakes. They're made by Kinotoya bakery in Sapporo. We looked for them on our recent visit to Sapporo but had no luck. A restaurant in our neighborhood that specializes in Hokkaido desserts flies them in once a week. These things are addictive. They're the closest thing we've found to American style chocolate cake here. Which means they actually are sweet. Most Japanese desserts are just mildly sweet, if sweet at all. Six come in a box and they're bite size. Well, by American standards they're bite size, just slightly bigger than a chocolate truffle. Like most Japanese products they're made with no preservatives and only last a couple of days in the fridge, assuming we haven't eaten them all in one sitting. They're so rich and creamy. I'm just glad I can't read the calorie content on the back of the box.
I look forward to reciprocity.
Happy Valentine's Day, Tokyo Style!
Check out this huge heart display I saw in Loft.
I think it's a hypnotic devise brainwashing shoppers to buy more chocolate.
I had to detox when I got home.
Amazing selection of chocolates.
Look my love, I'll give you the world!
This is too pretty to eat.
I thought we were talking about Valentines not Easter.
Last year was the year of the Rabbit.
Are these left over?
Amazing selection.
A fraction of the VD display.
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