A box of White Day chocolates from Lotte's Ghana (Photo: © Lotte)

(Writer: Shana Graves)

Regardless of whether your relationship is platonic or romantic, tradition dictates that chocolates shall be given, the distinction lies in what kind of chocolate a woman buys. Liquor-filled chocolates and other high quality chocolate treats (honmei-choco or true love chocolates) as are shown in the illustrations, are reserved for husbands and boyfriends, while inexpensive options are offered to men for whom a young lady carries no candle, and no romantic interest. These are referred to as giri-choco, or obligation chocolates. If a woman wants to express her love in an altogether more sincere form to her significant other, an act becoming increasingly popular is to actually make cookies or candies. Department stores and supermarkets alike fill their Valentine’s Day displays with cute do-it-yourself baking kits, most of which come complete with all the required ingredients, the only thing missing is a little bit of love.

To balance the give and take on Valentine’s Day in Japan, the National Confectionery Industry Association has long since declared March 14th ‘White Day’ – a day on which men return the favor to the women from whom they received chocolate a month prior.