Did you know that Valentine's Day is celebrated differently in Japan from most other countries? Instead of men generously showering ladies with flowers and fancy meals, it is Japanese ladies who take the initiative by giving chocolates to their male and female acquaintances. So don't be surprised to receive chocolates that run the gamut from wallet-friendly to extravagant, depending on your relationship with the giver. Read on to find out the main kinds of chocolates that are given out on Valentine's Day and what they represent!
What sorts of foods have become holiday traditions in your country? In Japan, people traditionally eat a special soup called "ozoni" for the New Year's holiday every year. This article will explain the origins and ingredients of this traditional Japanese New Year's cuisine.