giri choco
For years, women in Japan have given chocolate to male coworkers for Valentine’s Day, but this year is probably going to be different.
Things get personal, and sweet, in the latest chapter of the ongoing difference of opinions about a Japanese cultural tradition.
Survey results indicate that Japan’s Valentine’s Day custom of giri choco may soon become a thing of the past.
Message from Belgian confectioner is a bolt from the blue, but the makers of Black Thunder are only too happy to play along.
The king of giri choco is here to help women who have to buy chocolate to give to all the guys they’re not attracted to on Valentine’s Day.
Enjoy your night alone, and also some sweets.
Defender of Japan’s “obligation chocolate” culture tempts us with another cheap yet awesome dessert.
A tasty, clever way to say “We’re just friends” in a country where women give chocolate to both lovers and platonic male acquaintances on February 14.
With Valentine’s Day approaching, the Tokyo-based candy company says “You do you, and we’ll do us.”
In Japan, women give chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day, but are guys going to get what they really want?
Belgian confectioner maker says enough is enough with Japan’s practice of women giving male coworkers “obligation chocolate.”
MOST POPULAR
Today
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Tamagotchi evolves into a ring for its 30th anniversary, preorders now open
Japan’s most popular curry rice restaurant chain, Coco Ichibanya, might be for sale
Family Mart releases Famima convenience store products nationwide, but which ones are worth buying?
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Onsen Egg Bukkake Udon Ice Cream makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about sweets
Weekly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears- Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live- Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Monthly
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad- Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars- Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Finally! Japan’s big three convenience store chains announce rice ball price reductions
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Onsen Egg Bukkake Udon Ice Cream makes us rethink everything we thought we knew about sweets
Mister Donut releases new doughnuts that look and taste like Japanese sweet potatoes
Family Mart joins forces with legendary sumo wrestler Chiyonofuji for new Convenience Wear collection
Beautiful 785-step Japanese shrine sando stairway walk is one very good reason to visit Kagawa
Flock to Tomarigi, the viral app that lets you perch in over 1,000 spots throughout Japan
Amid foreign sex tourist rise, Japanese government considering outlawing paying for prostitution
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for chilled soba that’s “too salty to eat”
Japan’s birth rate rose for the first half of the year for the first time in over a decade
Is Tokyo’s Odaiba, once one of its trendiest neighborhoods, becoming a ghost town? [Photos]
-
