In Japan Valentine’s is is a day when women and girls give chocolate to men and boys. It doesn’t have any religious meaning and most of people do not have any interest of its origin.
I miss this day in Japan. all department store and shops, even to convenience store sell varieties of chocolate. I love chocolate and it’s a good time to try new chocolate for me. When I was elementary 6th grade Valentine’s day is the day a girl give chocolate and it could express her liking (love) to a boy. Some make hand made chocolate or chocolate cookies. I remember I bought chocolate but I couldn’t give it him. I was innocent.
Valentine’s day has involved more and more people. First 70’s teenagers, then 80′ Giri chocolate for adults 義理 Giri chocolate is given to male boss, teacher, father and brother any one a woman and a girl feel helped, taken cared and express gratitude. Gift giving is a kind of Japanese culture. Gift giving facilitate better relationship. BUT in Japan they have White Day which is March 14th when men and boys give something sweet like candies, cookies, (first it was called maｒshmallo Day) or something to use or wear like jewelries or handkerchiefs. If you received Giri chocolate, you should give something Giri in return. If you forget to give something back it will be a problem!
The latest trend is reverse chocolate; a man give to a woman.友 Tomo(means friend ） chocolate; expressing friendship among girls and self chocolate. Now in February chocolate comes from all over the world, I heard.
Giri 義理 feel obligation to sb for someone. debt, duty, loyal
If someone helped you or did in favor of you, you must not forget that. Usually you are expected to so something when he/she needs help in return, though nobody tell you to do.
Giri is a virtue in Samurai area and still considered among older generation, even now a man of Giri is trustworthy. This idea will help you understand Japanese people behavior.