On Valentine’s Day, Japanese women are encouraged to express love to men by giving chocolate and other gifts on February 14th.

Chocolate given to men whom women don’t feel special love are called “giri (obligation)-choco (chocolate)” in Japanese. Chocolate given to co-workers and bosses are usually considered as giri-choco. Many men feel embarrassed if they don’t receive any chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Women usually make sure to give giri-choco to men around them so that they don’t feel left out. The average price range for a giri-choco is from 200 yen to 500 yen each.

Chocolate given to a special man from a woman is called “honmei (prospective winner)-choco.” Honmei-choco is more expensive than giri-choco and is sometimes homemade. It’s lucky if a man could receive a honmei-choco.

Look at this happy face of man who just received chocolates from women!

Is this “Giri Choco” or “Honmei Choco”?????