Today is a very important day for young boys and girls in Japan. It is Valentine’s day where the girls are supposed to give chocolate to the boys they like, preferably hand-made.
Maid-chan does not understand why you should do something by hand that a machine can do better, but Maid-chan is used to this strangeness from the humans she knows.
Of course the chocolate-giving also plays a big role in animes, especially in school-romance ones.
It is a chance to put in a lot of accidents, hidden chocolate, mixed up chocolate, a lot of emotional up and down and a big helping of ultra-sweet cuteness!
Birth of a Chocolate Day
When Maid-chan first learned of this strange day, she was surprised. Not because the humans are doing such a thing, but because of the date. Why on a “christian” day when only 1% of Japanese are Christians?
As often in those cases, the reason is in the money. The February is a slow selling month, so firms tried to improve their business.
As Maid-chan’s research shows, the first who tried a Valentine’s chocolate sale was a chocolate maker from Kobe in 1936. It didn’t work but that did not stop a second try by Morinaga in 1960 – and this time it was more successful.
Honmei and Giri Choco
It is important to differentiate between “real” chocolate „honmei“ (本命 チョコ), and „giri-choco“ (義理 チョコ).
Honmei choco is the one you can see in the romance animes, where the girl puts her heart into making it. Taking courses to learn how to „make“ chocolate is a big business, too! But of course, it is the feeling that counts.
Giri choco is something that can only come into existence, Maid-chan thinks, with the typical human fear of losing face or falling out of favor.
Giri choco (giri = duty) is what the girls have to give to the male friends, senpais, bosses and so on. It has become quite a burden for the woman.
But of course someone has to make profit from this, too! This year Japan-famous chocolate maker Godiva put up a full-page ad, saying that women should stop buying giri choco.
Of course even with that ad the giri choco is likely to go on, and even if not, Godiva will not be hurt. They sell the expensive sort that is not bought as giri choco, so only their competition would be hurt, while women would have more money for “real” (Godiva) chocolate. Oh, and the PR effect was big, it was reported all around the globe.
Oh! Maid-chan just realized, she fell into the trap, too! ;)
White Day
If you have watched a lot of animes, you also know that boys are not supposed to give back chocolate on Valentine’s, which is a real problem for the chocolate industry.
Fortunately there is “White Day” on the 17th of March. On this day the men are supposed to present back white chocolate (or other white sweets). One month after Valentine’s, when money and belly space is back. Sneaky, right?
Maid-chan no Wisdom
Maid-chan is always surprised about the strangeness of human mating rituals. Still, she thinks there are some very cute things, and giving chocolate is one of those.
But don’t give away chocolate just as duty. And don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to give one to your loved one.
The best chocolate is the chocolate you eat together with someone you love, whatever day it is!
